Prince Harry and Meghan Markle received the prestigious ‘Humanitarians of the Year ‘ award at the Project Healthy Minds Gala in New York City on 9 October.
PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN’S ACCEPTANCE SPEECH
Their acceptance speech focused on the urgent issue of social media’s harmful impact on children’s mental health. They called it “one of the most pressing issues of our time,” according to The Independent.
The couple highlighted data showing that thousands of families are fighting legal battles after their children were adversely affected due to social media-related harms.
PRINCE HARRY AND THE SOCIAL MEDIA VICTIMS LAW CENTRE
Prince Harry revealed that the Social Media Victims Law Centre currently represents about 4,000 families. These families have children who have suffered because of social media.
He criticised powerful corporations and algorithms designed to maximise data collection at any cost. These, in turn, prey on children indiscriminately, not only those with pre-existing vulnerabilities, according to the Times of India.
Meghan Markle spoke about the couple’s personal concerns as parents to six-year-old Archie and four-year-old Lilibet.
THE ARCHEWELL FOUNDATION PARENTS NETWORK
They reflected on the challenges parents face in balancing technology’s benefits with its dangers.
They then announced a collaboration between their Archewell Foundation’s Parents Network and the nonprofit ParentsTogether to bolster advocacy and online safety efforts for families affected by digital harm.
SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE IN SOUTH AFRICA
In South Africa, increasing internet and social media use among young people raises concerns about mental health and online safety.
South African parents and advocacy groups can draw inspiration from this global spotlight on protecting children from digital harms.
The Sussexes’ advocacy underscores the need for communities worldwide to unite in demanding regulations and support for safeguarding youth in the digital age.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
The couple’s recognition at an event dedicated to mental health awareness reinforces their ongoing commitment since stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
They are using their platform to challenge Big Tech’s role in the youth mental health crisis. By contributing to a vital conversation highly relevant to South African families navigating the digital era.