In a candid interview on CBS Sunday Morning aired on August 4, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry discussed their efforts to make the digital world safer through their Archewell Foundation’s new initiative, The Parents Network. The program aims to support parents whose children have experienced trauma related to social media.
During the interview, Meghan reflected on her own experiences with mental health struggles. She recalled opening up about her suicidal thoughts during a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, revealing, “I just didn’t want to be alive anymore.” She connected her experiences with the challenges faced by children dealing with online bullying and abuse.
“When you’ve been through any level of pain or trauma, part of the healing journey is being open about it,” Meghan shared. “I never want someone else to feel the way I did. If my story can save someone or encourage them to check in on their loved ones, then it’s worth it.”
The Duchess emphasized the importance of protecting their two young children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, from harmful online content. “All you want to do as parents is protect them,” she said. Prince Harry added, “Every parent needs to be a first responder. Even the best responders can’t always see the signs of possible suicide, and that’s terrifying.”
Meghan encouraged everyone to think, “What if it was my daughter? What if it was my son?” stressing the need for solutions to protect children online. The couple’s Archewell Foundation has launched the “No Child Lost to Social Media” campaign, aiming to provide a support network for parents dealing with grief or managing children’s mental health issues due to harmful online experiences.
James Holt, Executive Director of the Archewell Foundation, highlighted the critical need for community among those affected by social media’s impact on mental, physical, and emotional well-being. “We believe in the transformative power of community, and that’s why we’ve created this network,” he said.
The subject was a focal point during the foundation’s first in-person event in October 2023, where Meghan and Harry spoke on a panel in New York City on World Mental Health Day. They also praised the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee’s recent hearing on online safety for children, advocating for urgent changes to keep children safe from digital harm.
The couple’s upcoming trip to Colombia will further their advocacy for children’s protection. They will participate in events at the World Ministerial Conference on the Elimination of Violence Against Children in November.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, texting “STRENGTH” to 741741, or visiting 988lifeline.org.
