Prince Harry & Meghan Raise Alarm Over Kids’ Online Safety

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have once again used their global platform to draw attention to a growing concern: the safety of children online. At a gala hosted by Project Healthy Minds in Manhattan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex highlighted the dangers of social media and artificial intelligence targeting young users.

“This isn’t content created by outsiders. These are the companies’ own algorithms influencing kids in harmful ways,” Prince Harry said, emphasizing the urgency of parental awareness and action.

The couple cited research from advocacy group ParentsTogether, which found that researchers posing as children experienced harmful interactions with AI chatbots every five minutes—a striking illustration of the risks posed by unregulated digital spaces.

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A Call to Parents and Communities

During the event, the couple announced a partnership between their Archewell Foundation’s Parents Network and ParentsTogether to support families fighting online harm. This move is part of their broader commitment to youth mental health, a cause they have championed since stepping back from royal duties in 2020.

Meghan Markle, speaking candidly about her own struggles with mental health under public scrutiny, stressed the importance of family support and community action in protecting children from harmful online content. Harry added that social media companies must be held accountable for the exposure of children to age-inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and other digital threats.

Addressing the Mental Health Epidemic

The couple’s advocacy comes amid increasing evidence that online experiences are contributing to anxiety, depression, and social isolation among young people. Prince Harry previously warned of an “epidemic” affecting youth mental health due to negative digital interactions.

The gala, which also honored NBC host Carson Daly and NFL executive Kalen Jackson, highlighted how personal stories can destigmatize mental health issues. Daly shared his own experiences with anxiety, showing the power of vulnerability in encouraging others to seek help.

Bridging Technology and Mental Health

Project Healthy Minds focuses on creating safe online environments and improving access to mental health resources. Funds raised from the gala will support the development of advanced filters to help patients find care based on insurance, location, and service preferences—making mental health care as accessible as planning a trip online.

Harry and Meghan’s efforts underscore a growing movement that connects celebrity influence with practical solutions, showing that awareness alone is not enough. Their work aims to combine advocacy, technology, and community support to make digital spaces safer for the next generation