Ever since mobile phones became common in the early 2000s, parents have struggled with the question of whether to let their children own one.

Originally created to free us from public phone boxes and landlines, smartphones have completely reshaped modern life over the past 25 years—allowing us to do almost anything with just a tap.

Now, even the royal family is facing the same dilemma. Prince William recently revealed that they’re trying to keep Prince George away from smartphones, admitting that it has become a “tense issue” at home.

At 12 years old, Prince George is reportedly beginning to challenge his parents’ ban. During a conversation with Brazilian broadcaster Luciano Huck, Prince William explained their decision not to let George or his siblings have phones yet.

He said: “Our children don’t have phones. Maybe when George starts secondary school, we’ll consider giving him one—but without internet access. Honestly, it’s becoming a bit of a tense topic. But he understands why. We’ve explained that it’s not the right time yet. My main concern is the internet—kids can easily access things they shouldn’t see. A basic phone for calls and texts, like an old brick phone, would be fine.”

Royal expert Dickie Arbiter shared that: “The Princess of Wales has made her position clear many times—she’s strongly against smartphones for children. She believes they cause emotional disconnection and prefers family conversations over screen time. She and Prince William have a house rule: no phones for the kids. Nowadays, you see families sitting together but everyone’s glued to their screens. The Princess wants her children to grow up talking and connecting with people—not depending on phones.”