In a recent interview on CBS News Sunday Morning that aired on August 4, 2024, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle opened up about the challenges of protecting their young children, Archie and Lilibet, from the dangers of online harm. This rare joint interview, conducted by Jane Pauley, marked a significant moment where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex discussed their deep concerns about the impact of online content on children.
The conversation highlighted their ongoing efforts through the Archewell Foundation, particularly focusing on “The Parents Network,” a new initiative aimed at supporting parents whose children have faced online bullying or other harmful online experiences. Meghan emphasized that despite the young ages of their children, the couple feels a strong responsibility to create a safer online environment. She noted, “All you want to do as parents is protect them.”
Harry expanded on this sentiment, stressing the importance of parents being equipped to handle these challenges, likening them to “first responders” in the digital age. He expressed the terrifying reality that even well-prepared parents might miss the warning signs of serious issues, such as cyberbullying leading to suicidal thoughts in children.
The interview also shed light on the broader implications of their work, including their plans to participate in the upcoming World Ministerial Conference on the Elimination of Violence Against Children, set to take place in Colombia later this year. Their involvement underscores their commitment to advocating for safer online spaces for children globally.
“Our kids are young, they are three and five, they’re amazing, but all you want to do as parents is protect them,” Meghan said.
“And so as we can see what’s happening in the online space, we know that there’s a lot of work to be done there and we’re just happy to be a part of change for good.”
Prince Harry said that in the “olden days” parents always knew what their children were up to, as long as they were at home.
“At least they were safe, right?” he said.
Adding to the emotional depth of the broadcast, clips showed Harry and Meghan meeting with bereaved parents near their home in Santa Barbara, California. These parents, most of whom had tragically lost a child due to harmful social media content or online bullying, shared their heartbreaking stories.
The couple’s interactions with these families underscored the urgent need for greater awareness and action to protect children from the dark side of the internet.
“We always talk about in the olden days if your kids were under your roof, you knew what they were up to; at least they were safe, right? And now, they could be in the next-door room on a tablet or on a phone and can be going down these rabbit holes. And before you know it, within 24 hours, they could be taking their life”, Prince Harry stated.
Meghan, reflecting on these conversations, expressed her deep empathy for the parents’ loss and the fear that all parents share—the possibility of losing a child to something that seems beyond control.
In addition to discussing these pressing issues, Meghan revisited her own struggles with mental health, particularly the suicidal thoughts she experienced during her time in the royal family. Her willingness to speak openly about her pain and recovery serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the importance of mental health advocacy.
This candid discussion is part of their ongoing mission to raise awareness and drive change in the online safety space, making it clear that protecting children from online threats is a cause they are deeply passionate about.
