Meghan Markle and Prince Harry weigh in on Starmer’s major new ban | Royal | News
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry released a statement regarding the social media ban announced by the UK (Image: Getty)
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry commented on the newly announced proposal by the UK Government, which calls for a ban on social media use for people under 16 from next year. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed the measure announced by Sir Keir Starmer this morning, but warned that “while such measures can help reduce harm, they do not solve the problem at its source.”
The California-based royal family said: “We welcome the UK Government’s announcement of new measures to better protect children online. The stories shared through the Lost Screen Memorial are a reminder that behind every debate about technology and regulation, there are real families whose lives have been changed forever. While such measures can help reduce harm, they do not solve the problem at its source. Lasting change requires platforms that are safer by design, meaningful accountability and a commitment to putting children’s welfare ahead of participation and profit.”
“The burden cannot be placed solely on parents and children, it must also be shouldered by companies.
“Until then, every day without meaningful change is another day where children are exposed to preventable harm.
“Stronger protections are better than inaction, and today’s announcement is a welcome step forward.”
Restrictions on social media were announced on Monday morning and will be lifted by Christmas and are likely to be implemented in the spring of next year.
Today, it was announced that they will hold technology companies responsible for sanctions instead of children if they do not comply with the rules.
Additionally, measures will be taken to prevent children from chatting with adults on game and live broadcast platforms.
Meghan Markle was speaking at an event in Geneva last month (Image: Getty)
Sir Keir said the move would give young people their childhood back, and while he acknowledged some may try to get around the ban, he said he would not compromise “the safety and happiness of our children”.
Bereaved parents and child safety campaigners welcomed the announcement as a requirement for young people who they say are being exposed to harmful content online.
But some big tech firms have hit back, saying a blanket ban on social media for under-16s could drive them into unregulated online spaces.
Meghan and Harry expressed their views on social media and what the dangers are from it.
In 2022, the Duke of Sussex admitted his fears for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet growing up in the age of social media.
In 2023, the Archewell Foundation partnered with Project Healthy Mind to host a summit discussing mental health in the age of social media.
Keir Starmer announced the ban this morning (Image: Getty)
The Sussexes released a statement celebrating “bold and decisive action” after Australia passed the world’s first ban on social media for children aged 16 and under.
But in that case, too, they said the ban “does not solve the fundamental problem we all still face” with the platforms.
In May, Meghan traveled to Geneva to attend the unveiling of the Lost Screen Memorial.
