It’s a ‘Royal Sunday’ with ATV Today Lifestyle as we take a look at royal life over several features…
In our eighth look at the royal family Experts reveal the strict but surprising rule to keep Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis from falling into the screen-time trap.
In an age where children are glued to tablets and smartphones, the Prince and Princess of Wales have enforced a rule to keep their little royals from falling into the screen-time trap. While most parents battle tantrums over iPads and gaming consoles, the young royals are being raised with a radically different approach—one that prioritises real-world experiences over digital distractions.
Behaviour expertsfrom C-me highlight that excessive screen time can hinder children’s social development, making the royal couple’s decision all the more significant. But what exactly is this ‘royal rule’ that sets them apart? And could it be the secret to raising well-rounded, tech-savvy—but not tech-dependent—kids?
The ‘Royal Rule’: No Screens on School Nights. According to insiders, Prince William and Princess Kate have a firm household rule: no screens during the week. While their children do have access to television and digital devices, these are strictly limited and reserved for weekends. Instead of spending their evenings glued to a screen, the young royals engage in outdoor activities, reading, and creative play—elements that experts agree are crucial for cognitive and social development.
This rule is not about outright banning technology but about teaching balance and discipline from an early age. It ensures that screen time remains a treat rather than a default, preventing the habitual overuse that many parents struggle to control.
With studies showing that children in the UK spend an average of 4-6 hours per day on screens, the risks of excessive screen time are becoming a growing concern. Behaviour experts from C-me highlight that prolonged digital exposure can lead to reduced attention spans, impaired social skills, and even increased anxiety and sleep disturbances.
By enforcing this structured approach, William and Kate are ensuring that George, Charlotte, and Louis develop strong real-world communication skills, imagination, and emotional intelligence—skills that excessive screen use can erode.
Research backs up the royal couple’s decision. A 2019 study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that excessive screen time in early childhood is linked to poorer academic performance and delayed language development. Another report by Ofcom in 2023 revealed that over 60% of UK children aged 5-7 use tablets daily, with many spending more time on screens than engaging in physical play.
Behaviour specialists from C-me emphasise that children need structured screen-time limits to develop healthy habits. “When screen time is carefully managed, children tend to be more focused, sleep better, and develop stronger problem-solving skills,” experts at C-me explain.
How Parents Can Apply the ‘Royal Rule’ at Home
While not every family can implement royal-style routines, adopting a few key principles can help parents create a healthier balance between screen time and real-world experiences:
Set Clear Rules: Establish screen-free zones or times, such as no screens during meals or before bedtime.
Encourage Outdoor Play: Like the royal children, encourage activities that engage physical and creative skills, from sports to arts and crafts.
Model Healthy Habits: Children mirror their parents’ behaviour—limiting your own screen use can set a powerful example.
Use Screens Purposefully: Rather than passive scrolling, encourage educational apps or co-viewing content to make screen time more interactive.
Prioritise Face-to-Face Interaction: Encourage conversations, family game nights, and shared reading sessions to strengthen communication skills.
The Takeaway: A Balanced Approach to Technology
The Wales family’s approach to screen time is not about rejecting technology—it’s about ensuring that it enhances rather than dominates childhood. By instilling discipline and balance from an early age, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are being given the tools to navigate the digital world responsibly.
