In a new CBS interview on Sunday, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle discussed their new initiative, The Parents’ Network, which addresses the dangers of online harm, with broadcaster Jane Pauley.
During the interview, they spoke with Donna and Chris Dawley, whose teenage son tragically died by suicide. Jane, 73, then turned the focus to Meghan, who had previously opened up about the harmful effects of social media and her own suicidal thoughts while pregnant with Archie, a topic she had discussed with Oprah Winfrey in 2021.
The poignant segment saw Meghan, 43, tenderly placing her hand on Harry’s knee, a gesture Jane noted: “You had an experience that connects you to these families – and I see you touch your husband’s hand in just the way I knew that you would be looking after each other – but the connection that you have with people is they know you had suffered, too, personally.”
In response, Meghan said: “I understand why you are, though – I wasn’t expecting it, but I understand why you are, because there is a through-line, I think. And when you’ve been through any level of pain or trauma, I believe part of our healing journey (certainly part of mine) is being able to be really open about it.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex launched their new initiative following the success of a two-year pilot program run by The Archewell Foundation. The Parents’ Network is now available for parents in the US, UK, and Canada.
Its primary aim is to provide crucial support to parents whose children have suffered from the harmful effects of social media, whether facing near-fatal harm, managing ongoing mental health difficulties, or experiencing the tragic loss of a child.
James Holt, Executive Director of The Archewell Foundation, said: “Over the past two years, alongside our co-founders Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, our team has engaged deeply with parents and young people about the repercussions of social media on their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
“It became strikingly clear that there is a critical need for connection and community among those who understand the pain, fear, and isolation caused by social media’s impact on children. We believe in the transformative power of community, and that is why we have created this network—to connect those who face these challenges and offer mutual support.”
