Princess Madeleine Shares Insights on Tech Guidelines for Children at Home (Exclusive)
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Princess Madeleine of Sweden, known for her involvement with the World Childhood Foundation USA, sheds light on the importance of setting boundaries for children’s technology use in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. As the Deputy Honorary Chair of the foundation founded by her mother, Queen Silvia, Princess Madeleine, 43, is dedicated to combating child sexual abuse and exploitation. Recently, she attended the foundation’s Annual Gala in New York City, where she discussed the significance of open communication within her own family.
The gala, a prestigious event, brought Princess Madeleine back to the city where she met her husband, Christopher O’Neill, and where their first child, Princess Leonore, was born. Since then, the royal couple has expanded their family to include son Prince Nicolas and daughter Princess Adrienne, whom they are raising in Sweden. In her reflective conversation with PEOPLE, Princess Madeleine delves into the foundation’s latest initiatives, her admiration for her mother’s advocacy, and the measures she takes as a parent to ensure her children’s well-being.
Childhood USA recently released the 2025 U.S. Out of the Shadows Index, a groundbreaking report that analyses how different states address child sexual abuse and exploitation. The findings underscore the pressing need for improved laws, enhanced prevention strategies, and better support for survivors. As Princess Madeleine highlights, the data serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the critical role each state plays in safeguarding children.
At the gala, Alexandra Gucci Zarini was honoured as the Child Protection Advocate of the Year. Zarini’s remarkable efforts through the Alexandra Gucci Children’s Foundation have been instrumental in combating child sexual abuse. Princess Madeleine commended Zarini’s courage and unwavering commitment to justice, applauding her resilience in shedding light on this critical issue.
When it comes to educating her own children about the World Childhood Foundation’s work, Princess Madeleine stresses the importance of fostering trust and encouraging open dialogue. She emphasises the significance of providing children with a safe space to express their concerns, whether online or offline. Drawing from her upbringing and her mother’s influence, Princess Madeleine aims to instil in her children the values of trust, safety, and effective communication.
Queen Silvia’s vision for Childhood, which aims to eradicate child sexual abuse and exploitation, serves as a guiding light for Princess Madeleine. The Queen’s unwavering dedication to protecting vulnerable children has inspired a new generation of advocates. Princess Madeleine acknowledges the ongoing challenges in this field, with one in five girls and one in seven boys worldwide experiencing sexual abuse during childhood. She underscores the importance of breaking the silence and driving meaningful change in this critical area.
In embracing technological advancements, Childhood is pioneering innovative solutions to safeguard children online and offline. Through initiatives like the Stella Polaris project in Sweden, which harnesses AI for child safety, the foundation is at the forefront of leveraging technology for good. Princess Madeleine underscores the importance of collaboration and innovation in the fight against child abuse, advocating for proactive measures that prioritise children’s well-being.
As technology becomes increasingly pervasive, Princess Madeleine acknowledges the challenges parents face in navigating their children’s exposure to digital devices. While she recognises the inevitability of technology in children’s lives, she emphasises the importance of ongoing conversations, trust-building, and responsible tech use. By fostering open dialogue and supporting children in navigating the digital landscape safely, parents can play a pivotal role in promoting online safety.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Dr. Mary Pulido, Executive Director of World Childhood Foundation USA, commended Princess Madeleine for her steadfast commitment to protecting children. Pulido lauded Princess Madeleine’s leadership and advocacy, highlighting her role in spearheading efforts to address emerging challenges in child protection. As the foundation continues its work to combat child abuse and exploitation, Princess Madeleine’s dedication remains a driving force in advancing this critical mission.
Princess Madeleine’s insights offer a compelling perspective on the intersection of technology, child safety, and parental responsibility. By championing open communication, trust-building, and collaborative efforts, she exemplifies a proactive approach to safeguarding children in the digital age. As she continues to advocate for vulnerable children through her work with the World Childhood Foundation USA, Princess Madeleine’s role as a dedicated parent and advocate for child safety shines through.