Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan have announced the launch of The Parents’ Network, an initiative that provides a safe and free support network for parents whose children have been harmed by social media. While a pilot program of the initiative was introduced two years ago, the network is now available to parents living in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
On Sunday—which also marked Meghan’s 43rd birthday—the couple appeared in a rare joint interview with CBS Sunday Morning’s Jane Pauley to discuss The Parents’ Network, newly launched via their Archewell Foundation. Together, they discussed the couple’s goal of making social media safer for children, as well as helping parents who have lost children to suicide as a result of online bullying. Pauley then drew comparisons between the anti-bullying initiative and Meghan’s past struggle with suicidal ideation.
“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 really open about it,” Meghan said during the interview, at one point reaching out and affectionately grabbing her husband’s leg. “I really scraped the surface on 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 sort of plans and I would never want someone else to not be believed.”
Markle went on to say that sharing her experience might “save someone or encourage someone in their life to really, genuinely check in on them and not assume that the appearance is good.” After sharing her own struggle in 2021, the duchess received messages of support from Beyoncé and Serena Williams, who praised her for speaking up.
In a preview for the previously recorded interview, the Sussexes offered insight on how their kids—Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—influence their work. “Our kids are young. They’re three and five. They’re amazing,” Meghan told Pauley. “But all you wanna do as parents is protect them. So, as we can see what’s happening in the online space, we know that there’s a lot of work to be done there and we’re just happy to be able to be a part of change for good.”
The Parents’ Network seems to be part of the couple’s larger movement to protect children (including their own) at all costs. For years, Harry has safeguarded Meghan and their kids, keeping his family out of the limelight and legally challenging the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, which revoked his personal protection in the U.K. after he stepped down as a senior royal.
“Harry has been reluctant to show his children publicly, not out of a desire to hide them, but to protect their privacy and safety from potential threats,” a friend of the couple explained to People earlier this week. “He wants them to lead as normal a life as possible without the fear of kidnapping or harm.” The Parents’ Network will undoubtedly help Prince Harry, among other parents, better protect their children—especially once they start using social media.
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
Maya Ernest is an editor who covers everything from the latest fashion news to features that investigate personal style, social media trends, and thoughtful consumption.