Prince Harry has once again aligned himself with the mental health movement, this time in honor of World Mental Health Day.
He was spotted discussing the adverse effects of smartphones and social media with social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. Considering Harry's life, which often resembles a real-life soap opera, it's difficult to view him as a credible authority on mental wellness. Yet, he continues to take center stage in such conversations. In his latest revelation, Harry claimed that smartphones are robbing young people of their childhoods—a statement that seems as predictable as news of another Kardashian breakup.
Haidt echoed Harry's sentiments, noting that children born after 1995 are facing skyrocketing rates of anxiety and depression due to their inability to disconnect from their screens. This paints a grim picture of modern youth, stuck in a digital funhouse mirror, while Harry volunteers himself as the one to shine a light on the issue.
Continuing the conversation, Harry mused that social media companies are too quick to blame parents for the mental health crisis. Haidt, smiling knowingly, explained that once children have access to smartphones, family life often devolves into a battle over screen time. Harry, as a father of two young children, is likely experiencing this firsthand. Yet despite his personal struggles, he seems intent on offering advice to the public. He also claimed that platforms like Instagram and TikTok are serving as lifelines for kids, though Haidt, somewhat exasperated, reminded us that the real solution lies in encouraging children to put their phones down and have genuine face-to-face interactions with their friends. It's ironic, considering Harry’s life in California feels quite removed from this kind of social connection. One might wonder how much Harry truly knows about friendship, given his life behind gated walls.
As their conversation unfolded, Haidt predicted that 2024 would be a pivotal year for youth grappling with the psychological effects of technology. His optimism may hold some truth, but it’s difficult to ignore Harry’s own ongoing mental health struggles. Moreover, his personal dramas—whether royal or otherwise—have undeniably contributed to the public’s collective anxiety. Rather than offering tangible solutions, Harry’s involvement in the mental health conversation often feels more like an attempt to position himself as the "woke" voice of a generation, without providing much real substance.
Whenever Harry speaks about mental health, it’s hard not to raise an eyebrow. His credibility in the field seems as fragile as a house of cards in a windstorm. After all, who can forget when he suggested people should quit their jobs if they don’t find joy in them? It’s as if he’s out of touch with the realities of those who can’t afford such luxury. While Harry might sincerely want to guide others on raising emotionally resilient children, it’s questionable how seriously we should take advice from someone who barely scraped through school himself. His approach to mental health is more akin to a celebrity trying to sell a fitness book despite barely being able to lift a dumbbell.
It’s almost ironic that Harry speaks so often about mental health when his own issues are on full display for the world to see. His experiences, while undoubtedly valid, do not necessarily equip him with the expertise to counsel others. There’s a difference between openly discussing feelings and holding a PhD in psychology. Moreover, both Harry and his wife have become sources of public anxiety themselves, contributing to the very mental health crises they claim to want to alleviate. It’s as if their presence alone stirs the pot rather than calming the storm.
At times, Harry seems to view mental health issues as something beyond his control, placing the blame elsewhere rather than acknowledging the role of personal choice. But no one is going to come along and rescue him from his emotional struggles; that’s a realization he needs to face on his own. His self-appointed role as a mental health advocate feels more like a celebrity trying to sell a fitness routine without the fitness. While Harry may have good intentions buried beneath layers of privilege, it’s important not to mistake him for an actual mental health expert. He would do well to take a step back, reflect, and perhaps consult a professional who isn’t on his speed dial.
