In a candid conversation during his high-profile visit to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in November 2025, Prince William opened up about his modern parenting challenges, revealing a strict stance on technology for his eldest son, Prince George. Speaking with popular Brazilian TV host Luciano Huck amid the Earthshot Prize awards ceremony, the Prince of Wales shared that while his children currently have no cellphones, he envisions a simple “brick phone” without internet access for George when he transitions to secondary school. This revelation highlights the royal family’s efforts to navigate the digital age while prioritizing child safety and well-being, a topic resonating with parents worldwide.

Prince William, 43, was in Rio to celebrate environmental innovations through his Earthshot Prize initiative, which aims to combat climate change with groundbreaking solutions. The event, held on November 9, 2025, drew global attention, but it was his off-stage chat with Huck that stole headlines. When asked about managing digital influences on his kids—Prince George, 12; Princess Charlotte, 10; and Prince Louis, 7—William admitted the issue is becoming “tense” at home. “Our children don’t have phones,” he explained, noting that as George approaches secondary school, likely in the coming year given UK education norms starting at age 11, they might introduce a basic device. This “brick phone” would allow calls and texts but block online access, shielding him from social media pitfalls and cyber risks.

The Prince’s approach stems from broader concerns about children’s exposure to technology. In the UK, where smartphone ownership among preteens has surged, with over half of 10-year-olds having devices, experts warn of impacts on mental health, including anxiety from online bullying and sleep disruption from screen time. William and his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, have long advocated for balanced digital habits. Catherine, through her work with the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, emphasizes the formative years’ role in building resilience. The couple reportedly enforces strict screen limits at home, favoring outdoor activities, reading, and family interactions over gadgets. This mirrors trends in parental controls, with apps and “dumb phones” gaining popularity as safer alternatives.

George, second in line to the throne, attends Lambrook School, a co-educational prep institution in Berkshire, where he enjoys sports like football and rugby. As he prepares for secondary education—potentially at prestigious options like Eton College, his father’s alma mater—the pressure mounts. William described ongoing discussions with George, explaining why delaying phone access is beneficial, fostering understanding rather than outright bans. This proactive parenting echoes William’s own experiences; growing up in the public eye, he witnessed media scrutiny’s toll and now seeks to protect his children from similar invasions via online platforms.

The Rio visit wasn’t all serious; William engaged with locals, highlighting Earthshot finalists like Amazon reforestation projects. Yet, his personal insights humanize the royals, showing universal parenting dilemmas. As global smartphone penetration reaches billions, with kids as young as 8 accessing the internet, William’s stance sparks debate. Supporters praise it for promoting mindfulness, while critics argue it might isolate children socially. In the U.S. and Europe, similar movements like “Wait Until 8th” campaigns delay smartphones until grade 8, aligning with the royals’ philosophy.

This disclosure underscores the Wales family’s commitment to normalcy amid privilege. As 2026 begins, it prompts reflection on tech’s role in childhood, encouraging parents to set boundaries that nurture rather than restrict. William’s “brick phone” idea might just inspire a wave of retro tech revivals, proving that sometimes, less connectivity means more connection.