The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have shared their support for a significant legislative move in the United Kingdom aimed at enhancing the safety of children online. The announcement from Prime Minister Keir Starmer on June 15, which will prohibit social media access for individuals under the age of 16, has been warmly welcomed by the couple.
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In a statement released the same day as the announcement, Prince Harry, aged 41, and Meghan, aged 44, expressed their approval for the government’s new measures designed to protect young users on platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. They acknowledged the importance of these steps but also emphasised that they are merely a starting point in a broader initiative needed to foster safer digital environments.
“The stories shared through The Lost Screen Memorial remind us that behind every debate about technology and regulation are real families whose lives have been forever changed,” the couple stated, referring to a project associated with their charitable organisation, Archewell Philanthropies. This initiative illustrates their commitment to addressing the harms faced by children in the digital landscape.
Their statement highlighted concerns that while the prohibition of social media access for minors could help mitigate risks, fundamental changes in the design of online platforms are crucial for lasting impact. “Safer platforms must be designed, accountability must be meaningful, and children’s wellbeing has to take precedence over profit and engagement,” the couple added. They believe that addressing online safety is not just a parental responsibility but should also be a priority for tech companies.
The announcement comes as a notable policy shift for the UK, aligning it with countries like Australia, Canada, Brazil, and Indonesia, which have already implemented similar regulations regarding children’s online access. In their statement, Prince Harry and Meghan articulated that continuous inaction means prolonged exposure to avoidable dangers for children, reinforcing their belief that stronger protections are always preferable to lax measures.
As parents to two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, the couple’s advocacy for child safety online resonates with their personal experiences. They assert that the burden of ensuring a safe online space should not fall solely on parents and their children. “Every day without meaningful change is another day that children remain exposed to preventable harm,” they remarked, expressing optimism that the new measures represent significant progress.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have made it a central focus of their philanthropic efforts to advocate for a safer digital landscape since relocating to the United States in 2024. Their organisation, Archewell Philanthropies, formerly known as the Archewell Foundation, has made various strides in this sphere. One notable initiative was the introduction of The Parents’ Network, aimed at supporting families affected by social media-related tragedies.
In April 2025, in collaboration with The Parents’ Network, Archewell unveiled The Lost Screen Memorial in New York City, part of their campaign titled No Child Lost to Social Media. This poignant memorial serves as a tribute to the lives lost due to the adverse effects of social media. Meghan marked the significance of this project during her recent attendance at the memorial’s unveiling in Geneva, where she spoke on the occasion of the 79th World Health Assembly.
During her speech, Meghan underlined the gravity of securing safe online spaces, asserting that it transcends mere technological considerations and directly speaks to public health. Her comments have sparked discussions amongst global leaders on the necessity for stricter safeguards aimed at protecting future generations from online risks.
Earlier this year, the couple also commended a groundbreaking legal ruling in Los Angeles, which found social media giants Meta and YouTube legally responsible for negligence in a significant social media addiction case. They described this verdict as a pivotal moment for families grappling with the repercussions of digital engagement.
In summary, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s advocacy for children’s online safety is reiterated through their support of the UK’s recent legislative decision. Their ongoing commitment to highlighting and addressing online harms reflects a broader movement towards creating a safer digital landscape for the younger generation. As they continue to be vocal on this crucial issue, it is clear that their efforts are aimed at not only influencing policy but also at urging a collective responsibility for safeguarding children’s well-being in an increasingly digital world.