The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are making waves once again as they continue their advocacy for internet safety, particularly for children.
Their latest endeavor will be highlighted in an interview with Jane Polly, set to air on CBS Sunday Morning on August 4th—coincidentally, the Duchess’s 43rd birthday.
In a sneak peek released by the network, the Duchess shared her heartfelt desire to protect her young children, Prince Archie, age five, and Princess Lilibet, age three, from inappropriate online content.
With a radiant smile, she expressed, “Our little ones are just three and five years old.
They’re incredible!
But all you want to do as parents is protect them!” Her words capture the essence of parental instincts; it’s a universal feeling that resonates deeply with many.
She went on to emphasize the pressing need for change in the digital landscape, stating, “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.”
In the interview, Polly chimed in, voicing a common hope among parents: “You hope that when your children ask for help, someone, you know, is there to give it.” The Duke of Sussex responded with urgency, saying, “If you know how to help!
At this point, we’ve got to the stage where every parent needs to be a first responder.” His remarks underline the critical role that parents play in navigating the complexities of the internet.
The conversation took a sobering turn as they acknowledged the grim reality faced by families grappling with the aftermath of online dangers.
The Duke pointed out that even the most skilled emergency responders struggle to detect signs of suicidal ideation in children.
This reality is particularly disturbing for families affected by the loss of a child or those dealing with mental health challenges exacerbated by exposure to harmful online material.
The Archwell Foundation, established by the Duke and Duchess, has been instrumental in supporting families impacted by these issues.
Their upcoming visit to Colombia is particularly significant, coinciding with the inaugural World Ministerial Conference on the Elimination of Violence Against Children, which will take place in November.
This conference aims to create a global framework for safer environments—both physical and virtual—addressing critical concerns such as cyberbullying and online exploitation.
Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Marquez, the first black woman to hold the position, noted that the conference will provide achievable goals and commitments for all nations involved.
During their visit, the Duke and Duchess will participate in various events organized by the Archwell Foundation, further amplifying their commitment to this vital cause.
Earlier this year, following a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on children’s online safety, the Duke and Duchess released a statement through their foundation.
They expressed admiration for the bravery displayed by parents advocating for change, saying, “We have spent time with many of these families over the last several years, listening to their pain and their dreams for the necessary change in the internet sphere.”
Their statement highlighted the non-partisan nature of the issue at hand, asserting that the need for action transcends political divides.