This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are launching a new initiative aimed at assisting families dealing with the effects of social media on their children.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex participated in an interview with Jane Pauley on “CBS Sunday Morning,” which aired on August 4, coinciding with Markle’s birthday, to talk about their new program through the Archewell Foundation, called The Parents Network.
The Parents Network seeks to “offer essential support to parents whose children have been adversely affected by social media, whether facing life-threatening challenges, managing ongoing mental health issues, or experiencing the heartbreaking loss of a child,” as stated in the program’s press release.
PRINCE HARRY, MEGHAN MARKLE INTERVIEW: SUICIDE CONCERNS ARE A TOP PRIORITY FOR THE COUPLE IN NEW TV TELL-ALL
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appeared on “CBS Sunday Morning” to discuss their new initiative addressing the effects of social media on families, The Parents Network. (Chris Jackson)
During the interview, Markle shared her experiences with suicidal thoughts, which she bravely addressed during her sit-down with Oprah Winfrey back in 2021.
“There is a common thread here. When you endure any level of pain or trauma, I believe part of the healing process—at least for me—involves being able to speak openly about it,” Markle expressed to Pauley.
In her conversation with Winfrey, Markle revealed, “I felt a lot of shame admitting it at the time, particularly to Harry, knowing the profound losses he has faced. But I realized I had to share it, or I would end up acting on those feelings. I just didn’t want to live anymore.”
Reflecting on her choice to be forthright, Markle told Pauley, “I haven’t fully explored my experience, but I never want anyone else to feel that way, to consider those kinds of actions, or to feel unheard.”
Markle remarked on “CBS Sunday Morning,” I haven’t really delved deeply into my experiences, but I would never want anyone else to feel like that or to consider those options. I would never want someone to feel disregarded.” (Anwar Hussein/WireImage)
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Markle added, “If sharing my journey can save someone or inspire others to genuinely check in on their loved ones instead of assuming everything is fine based on appearances, then that’s worth it. I’ll take the hit for that.”
The Parents Network began as a small, two-year pilot program before officially launching to assist parents in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. It offers free resources and support to families whose “children have experienced harm due to social media,” including those who have lost a child to suicide.
“One of the most frightening lessons we’ve learned in the last 15 to 17 years of social media is that it can affect anyone,” Prince Harry stated on “CBS Sunday Morning.”
“In the past, when children were under your care, at least you knew what they were up to and could keep them safe. Today, they might be in a different room with a tablet or phone, exploring dangerous online content, and tragically, within just 24 hours, they may take their own life.”
Prince Harry noted that the adverse effects of social media can “happen to anyone.” (Chris Jackson)
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“Nowadays, nearly every parent needs to act as a first responder, yet even the best responders often struggle to recognize the signs of potential suicide. That is the terrifying reality,” the 39-year-old shared.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot in 2018 and are parents to 5-year-old Prince Archie and 3-year-old Princess Lilibet, both of whom are constantly on their minds as they consider the influence of social media on their children.
“Our kids are young, they’re 3 and 5, and they are wonderful. As parents, all we want is to keep them safe. The current state of affairs in the digital world makes it clear that there is much work to be done, and we are just glad to be part of positive change,” Markle stated.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. (Getty Images)
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James Holt, executive director of The Archewell Foundation, conveyed the mission of The Parents Network and the Sussexes’ engagement in a statement: “Over the last two years, alongside our co-founders Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, our team has connected with parents and young people regarding the consequences of social media on their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. It became increasingly clear that there is a pressing need for connection and community to address the pain, anxiety, and isolation caused by social media’s impact on children. We believe that community can bring about transformative change, which is why we have established this network—to unite those facing these challenges and to provide mutual support.”
As the program continues to expand, Markle encourages everyone to think carefully about their families and children.
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“For anyone watching this or anyone who can instigate change, the simplest approach is to consider this through the lens of what if it were my daughter? What if it was my son? My joyful child, whom I love, suddenly changing our entire lives because of something that was completely beyond our control. Viewing it from a parental standpoint makes it impossible to approach it any other way than to seek out a solution.”
