In a heartfelt conversation aired on CBS Sunday Morning, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry opened up about their commitment to improving online safety for children.

The interview, which coincided with Meghan’s 43rd birthday, featured the couple discussing the launch of the Parents Network, an initiative from Meghan’s Archewell Foundation aimed at supporting families grappling with the trauma associated with social media.

The Parents Network is a response to the growing concerns surrounding children’s mental health in the digital age.

After a successful two-year pilot program, the initiative is now accessible to parents across the U.S., U.K., and Canada.

During the interview with Jane Pauley, the couple emphasized the importance of creating a safer online environment for today’s youth.

Reflecting on her own struggles, Meghan spoke candidly about her experiences with suicidal thoughts.

In March 2021, during her interview with Oprah Winfrey, she revealed her feelings of hopelessness.

While she has previously discussed the bullying she faced online, she acknowledged the need to differentiate her experiences from those of children who are often more vulnerable to the toxic nature of social media.

“I’ve really only scratched the surface of my experience,” Meghan admitted, emphasizing that her intent in sharing her story is to help others.

She expressed a strong desire for no one else to feel the depths of despair that she once felt, especially for the sake of her two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

“As a parent, you want to protect them,” she said with a smile, highlighting the challenges posed by the current online landscape.

Prince Harry joined the conversation, stressing the urgency of parental involvement in recognizing the signs of distress among children.

“At this point, we’re at a stage where almost every parent needs to be a first responder,” he noted, pointing out that even trained professionals might struggle to identify warning signs related to mental health issues.

This stark reality underscores the need for greater awareness and education around these critical matters.

Meghan urged listeners to adopt a compassionate perspective: “What if that was my daughter?

What would I do if that was my son?” This approach invites parents to consider the gravity of the situation and the necessity of finding solutions to protect their children from harmful online influences.

The Parents Network and its ongoing campaign, “Don’t Get Lost on Social Media,” serve as extensions of the couple’s dedication to mental health advocacy.

Their nonprofit organization aims to provide support for grieving parents and children facing mental health challenges exacerbated by negative online interactions.

James Holt, CEO of the Archewell Foundation, echoed the couple’s sentiments, highlighting the urgent need for community and connection among families affected by social media’s impact.

“It has become strikingly clear that there is an urgent need for connection and community among people who understand the pain, fear, and isolation caused by the impact social media has on children,” he stated.

Looking ahead, the Archewell Foundation plans to host its first in-person event on World Mental Health Day in October 2023.

This gathering will focus on the pressing need for improved online safety, bringing together families who have faced losses related to their children’s social media use.

Meghan and Harry are set to participate in a panel discussion in New York City during this significant event.

Their advocacy extends beyond interviews and initiatives; the couple also voiced their support for child online safety during a recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

They praised the courage of parents advocating for change and called for immediate action to protect children from the dangers lurking in online spaces.

As they prepare for their upcoming visit to Colombia, where they will participate in discussions on child protection, Meghan and Harry continue to champion this vital cause.

Their commitment to raising awareness and fostering change reflects a deep concern for the well-being of future generations in an increasingly digital world.