Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have weighed in on Sir Keir Starmer's major new ban, issuing a warning alongside their support. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex commented on the newly announced proposal from the UK Government, which will see social media use banned for under-16s starting next year.
Royal Couple's Statement
The California-based royals welcomed the measure but cautioned that it does not address the root of the problem. Their statement read: "We welcome the UK Government's announcement of new measures to better protect children online. The stories shared through The Lost Screen Memorial remind us that behind every debate about technology and regulation are real families whose lives have been forever changed."
They added: "While measures such as these may help reduce harm, they do not fix the problem at its source. Lasting change requires safer platforms by design, meaningful accountability and a commitment to putting children's wellbeing ahead of engagement and profit."
Call for Platform Accountability
The couple emphasized that the burden cannot rest solely on parents and children. "It must also be borne by the companies," they stated. "Until then, every day without meaningful change is another day that children remain exposed to preventable harm."
They concluded: "Stronger protections are better than inaction and today's announcement is a welcome step forward."
Meghan and Harry have been vocal about online safety for several years, particularly regarding the impact of social media on young people. Their statement reflects a continued commitment to advocating for stronger protections in the digital space.
