Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Call on Social Media Companies to Protect Children from Harmful Content
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have released a video urging social media companies to step up their efforts in reducing the amount of harmful content that children are exposed to online.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released a video on their Archewell website following a US Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on online child safety. The hearing took place in Washington and saw US politicians addressing social media giants and holding them accountable for the negative impact their platforms have on children.
In the video, which was recorded during a World Mental Health Day discussion in New York on October 10 last year, Meghan emphasizes the need for a safer online environment. She compares the current situation to the early days of cars, pointing out that the introduction of seatbelts was necessary to prevent accidents and save lives. The Duchess calls for similar changes to be made to protect children in the online space.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry addresses the harmful narrative surrounding young children, stating that the blame shouldn’t be on the kids but rather on the world that is being created around them. He pleads with social media platforms to stop sending children content that they wouldn’t want their own kids to see.
The video was launched alongside a statement on online child safety. The couple recounted their interactions with families who have experienced the devastating consequences of online harm, including suicide and abuse. They acknowledge the necessity of urgent change and commend the efforts of parents who have advocated for greater accountability.
The Sussexes have expressed their commitment to support parents dealing with the psychological impact that online dangers have had on their children. Through their Archewell Foundation, they have built a network to help parents cope with grief and support children facing serious mental health conditions caused by harmful online content.
They emphasize that the issue at hand transcends political divides, and together with the parents, aim to bring about necessary change to ensure the safety of all children. The joint statement concludes with the heartbreaking remark of one of the bereaved fathers, stating, “If love could have saved them, all of our children would still be here.”
The Sussexes released the video after a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in Washington yesterday which saw US politicians warn social media giants: ‘You have blood on your hands’
The video, recorded on the same day as the hearing, underscores Prince Harry and Meghan’s mission to drive change and advocate for the well-being of children in the digital age. By leveraging their platform, they continue their efforts to ensure the online world becomes a safer, more positive space for all.
The release of this video coincides with ongoing efforts by US lawmakers to establish comprehensive online safety laws to protect children from exploitation. Several social media executives, including Mark Zuckerberg of Meta, were questioned during the Senate judiciary committee session, where they were accused of allowing content that puts children at risk to thrive on their platforms.
The compelling testimonies from parents who lost their children due to online harms have shed light on the urgent need for regulation and closer scrutiny of social media practices. Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is currently facing a lawsuit by 40 US states, which brings attention to its alleged negligence in safeguarding young users.
The hearing shed light on the scale of the problem and the magnitude of the challenges that need to be addressed. Social media companies are being called upon to take responsibility for the harmful content on their platforms.
The video from the Sussexes was released today with this statement on online child safety
The United Kingdom has also passed the Online Safety Act, holding social media firms accountable for removing illegal content and protecting children from harmful material on their platforms. Failure to comply with the legislation could result in hefty fines and, in extreme cases, even criminal charges for company executives.
The online safety debate has intensified following the tragic death of 14-year-old Molly Russell, who took her own life after being exposed to self-harm and suicide content online. Advocates are demanding immediate action and pointing out the parallels with the tobacco industry, where harmful effects were initially denied.
Amid growing concerns, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s advocacy for children’s internet safety reinforces the critical need for online platforms to prioritize the well-being of young users and eradicate harmful content.
