Prince Harry and Meghan Markle speak out on digital safety

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their first joint appearance in over three months, calling for action against online violence towards children.

PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN’S MESSAGE

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex appeared in a video message on Tuesday night. They advocated for better protection of young people in the digital world, according to People.

Their message was played at the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children in Colombia.

The couple both wore dark blazers adorned with poppy pins in honour of Remembrance Day.

PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN ON ONLINE SAFETY

They delivered a two-minute address highlighting the urgent need to safeguard children online.

Meghan wore a chic navy blazer by Ralph Lauren, while Harry put his arm around her in a touching moment during the broadcast.

This latest campaign builds on their work with the Archewell Foundation, according to Marie Claire.

The foundation promotes safety and mental well-being, especially among young people.

PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN’S PLEA FOR ACTION

Harry opened the speech with a passionate plea for action.

“We are at a crossroads where the urgency to reassess and redefine our approach to protecting children has become increasingly evident,” he said.

“While the necessity has always been apparent, it is now time to translate that awareness into meaningful action.”

Meghan added that, while technology offers countless benefits, it has also “compelled us to better understand how digital violence against children is manifesting itself”.

PRINCE HARRY, MEGHAN AND THE PARENTS NETWORK

The couple’s latest campaign, the Parents’ Network was launched in August, according to Daily Mail.

It aims to create a supportive community for families dealing with online harm. Harry described the network as “a support network for families navigating the complex digital world.”

He continued, “Through trauma-informed practices, we help parents forge strong bonds. We offer healing support through community, with the ultimate goal of prioritising safety at the source.”

EXPOSURE TO HARMFUL CONTENT

Their comments struck a chord with many South Africans, who face similar concerns about digital safety.

As internet access expands, more South African children are online, with the potential for exposure to harmful content.

Families here, like those elsewhere, need guidance and protection when it comes to children’s online presence.

The Sussexes’ foundation has also released guides to help parents understand how to make social media safer for their children. This is especially so on popular platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok.

SAFETY MEASURES

These guides are compiled in partnership with the Social Media Victims Law Centre.

It offers practical advice on how to navigate and restrict harmful content for younger users.

Meghan emphasised the importance of creating norms around children’s tech use. She also called on governments and companies to do their part.

CHILDREN’S SAFETY

“It’s not just about what parents can do,” she said, “but what we can do together to formulate standards and regulations that prioritise children’s safety.”

This sentiment resonates with many families in South Africa, where tech use has soared, often without adequate online safety measures in place.

PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHA’S COMMITMENT TO MENTAL HEALTH

Harry concluded their message with a heartfelt appeal. “Young people are calling for help. Families are desperately seeking support.

They are urging us to confront the new reality our youth are facing.” He added, “Together we can harness this moment to drive lasting change.”

Their efforts have been met with praise worldwide, including among South African audiences who admire the couple’s commitment to mental health and child safety.