‘The Parents’ Network’ Supporting Parents and Protecting Children from Social Media Harm
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle have unveiled The Parents’ Network, a groundbreaking initiative to provide a safe and free support network for parents whose children have been harmed by social media. This follows a successful two-year pilot program and extends its services to parents in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
‘The Parents’ Network’ – A Shared Commitment to Online Safety
On Meghan’s 43rd birthday (August 4), the couple gave a rare joint interview with CBS Sunday Morning’s Jane Pauley. They discussed The Parents’ Network, launched through their Archewell Foundation, and their dedication to creating a safer online environment for children. The conversation also touched on Meghan’s past struggle with suicidal ideation, highlighting the couple’s connection to the cause.
“I think when you’ve been through any level of pain or trauma, I believe part of our healing journey, certainly part of mine, is being able to be open about it. “And I haven’t scraped the surface of my experience but I do think that I would never want someone else to feel that way.” “And I would never want someone else to be making those sorts of plans and I would never want someone else to not be believed. So, if my voicing what I have overcome will save someone or encourage someone in their life to genuinely check in on them and not assume that because their appearance is good everything’s okay, then that’s worth it. I’ll take a hit for that.”
Meghan Markle, duchess of sussex
This initiative offers a free, trauma-informed, peer-support community with resources and advice from licensed facilitators. It is designed to help parents navigate the challenges posed by social media, providing a platform for shared experiences and mutual support.
Campaign for Change: “No Child Lost to Social Media”
In conjunction with The Parents’ Network, the Archewell Foundation has introduced the “No Child Lost to Social Media” campaign. This initiative advocates for safer social media designs to counter the alarming rise in depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide linked to social media since the early 2010s.
Last year, the foundation hosted a summit on World Mental Health Day to address these pressing issues. The event featured parents from the pilot scheme, including those who have tragically lost children to online bullying, underscoring the urgent need for change.
Voices from the Frontline
James Holt, the foundation’s chief executive, emphasised the importance of community in addressing the repercussions of social media on young people’s well-being. “It became strikingly clear that there is a critical need for connection and community among those who understand the pain, fear, and isolation caused by social media’s impact on children,” Holt stated. “We believe in the transformative power of community,” Holt added, “and that is why we have created this network—to connect those who face these challenges and offer mutual support.”
The Parents’ Network and its associated campaigns represent a significant step towards safeguarding children from the dangers of social media and providing much-needed support to affected families. Through their Archewell Foundation, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to champion mental health and online safety, striving to create a safer digital world for future generations.
From The Parents’ Network.
We, The Parents’ Network, Say “No More”.
“No More” blaming families, “No More” allowing social media companies to prioritize profit over our children’s safety, “No More” watching our youth suffer.
The time for change is now. And it begins with us. Use your voice. Join our campaign.
For our children, for your children, for all children.