Last night, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle revealed a deeply moving memorial in New York City, dedicated to remembering children who tragically lost their lives due to the harmful effects of online behavior.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex used the occasion to call for greater protections for children against the dangers of social media, insisting that more action is needed to safeguard young lives.
The “Lost Screen Memorial” Installation
The memorial, named the “Lost Screen Memorial,” consists of 50 large, illuminated smartphones, each showcasing the lock screen photos of children who passed away after enduring online bullying.
These images were shared by grieving parents who are part of The Archewell Foundation’s Parents’ Network, with the intention of honoring their children and raising awareness about the urgent need for safer online environments.
During the unveiling, parents were invited to lay flowers at the memorial, paying tribute to their lost children.
In addition to the physical installation, there is a virtual version of the memorial, where visitors can learn more about each child’s story.
Some parents have also recorded personal voice messages, allowing others to hear their stories and understand the devastating impact social media harm can have on families.
The Duke and Duchess Stand with Families
Prince Harry and Meghan attended a private vigil at the memorial with the families of the children, as part of the Archewell Foundation’s “No Child Lost to Social Media” campaign.
In an interview with BBC Breakfast, Harry shared his concern, saying, “We want to make sure that things are changed so that no more kids are lost to social media. Life is better off social media.”
Harry also expressed his gratitude that his own children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are still too young to be exposed to online platforms.
Reflecting on the harsh reality of social media, he pointed out that kids who aren’t online often face bullying at school for not participating in digital conversations, underscoring the difficulties of navigating this modern world.
The Hidden Dangers of Social Media
During the event, Harry emphasized the severity of the issue, stating, “Some of the stories here are truly harrowing. You think you’ve heard the worst of it until nights like this.”
He criticized tech companies for not providing sufficient transparency and for hiding behind privacy arguments, which prevent grieving parents from gaining access to crucial information about their children’s online experiences.
He went on to highlight that these children were not suffering from illness; rather, they were exposed to harmful online content, often pushed towards them, leading to devastating consequences.
Harry expressed that these children were not just statistics to be ignored but cherished lives whose families will forever feel their absence.
The Growing Crisis of Online Harm
Despite claims by social media platforms that they are taking action to address online harm, many families still find themselves without the answers they need.
Harry pointed out that this crisis is growing, with social media continuing to harm children, while those in power fail to act in meaningful ways.
The memorial installation is part of The Archewell Foundation’s ongoing initiative, The Parents’ Network, which aims to support families as they navigate the challenges of the digital world.
The foundation is committed to helping protect children from online dangers and supporting their mental health recovery.
A Call for Action from Meghan
Meghan Markle also shared her thoughts on the memorial via Instagram, posting a video of the event along with an emotional message.
She reflected on the powerful evening, stating, “No matter how divided the world may be, we can all agree that we want our children to be safe from harm. That is a universal truth.”
Meghan urged those who choose to engage with social media to set an example for younger generations by promoting positivity, kindness, and encouragement.
She also called for collective action to ensure that no child is lost to the dangers of social media, emphasizing that change is possible with everyone’s support.
The Archewell Foundation’s initiative is a critical step in the ongoing fight to protect children in an increasingly digital world, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the need for continued vigilance and reform in how we approach online safety.