Meghan Markle and Prince Harry issued a statement over the social media ban announced by the UK (Image: Getty)
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have commented on the newly announced proposal from the UK Government, which will see from next year social media use being banned for under-16s. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed the measure announced by Sir Keir Starmer this morning, but warned “while measures such as these help reduce harm, they do not fix the problem at its source”.
The statement of the California-based royals read: “We welcome the UK Government’s announcement of new measures to better protect children online. 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. While measures such as these may help reduce harm, they do not fix the problem at its source. Lasting change requires safer platforms by design, meaningful accountability and a commitment to putting children’s wellbeing ahead of engagement and profit.
“The burden cannot rest solely on parents and children. It must also be borne by the companies.
“Until then, every day without meaningful change is another day that children remain exposed to preventable harm.
“Stronger protections are better than inaction and today’s announcement is a welcome step forward.”
The restrictions to social media were announced on Monday morning and are to be passed by Christmas and likely to be in place by spring next year.
They will leave technology firms, rather than children, liable for enforcement action if they fail to comply, it was revealed today.
There will also be measures to prevent children from chatting with adults on gaming and livestreaming platforms.
Meghan Markle speaking at an event in Geneva last month (Image: Getty)
Sir Keir said the move will give youngsters back their childhood and, while acknowledging some might try to find their way around a ban, he said he would not compromise on the “safety and happiness of our children”.
Bereaved parents and child safety campaigners welcomed the announcement as a necessity for young people who they say are 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 have been vocal about their views on social media and what they are dangers stemming from it.
In 2022, the Duke of Sussex confessed his fears for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet as they grow up in the age of social media.
In 2023, their Archewell Foundation teamed up 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)
After Australia passed the world’s first ban on social media for children aged 16 and under, the Sussexes issued a statement celebrating the “bold, decisive action”.
However, also in that occasion, they said the ban “doesn’t fix the fundamental issue we all still face” with the platforms.
And in May, Meghan travelled to Geneva to take part in the launch of the The Lost Screen Memorial.