The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have welcomed the government’s incoming ban on under-16s using social media as “a welcome step forward”, though they stressed more is needed to protect children from harmful content.
Sir Keir Starmer announced the plan on Monday, citing concerns social media is unsafe, causing misery and lasting mental health damage to young people.
Bereaved parents and child safety campaigners welcomed the announcement, but some big tech firms warned it could push under-16s towards unregulated online spaces.
Harry and Meghan welcomed the incoming ban on Monday, but warned “while measures such as these help reduce harm, they do not fix the problem at its source”.
In a statement, the duke and duchess said: “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.
“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 well-being ahead of engagement and profit.
“The burden cannot rest solely on parents and children. It must also be borne by the companies.
“Until then, every day without meaningful change is another day that children remain exposed to preventable harm.
“Stronger protections are better than inaction, and today’s announcement is a welcome step forward.”
At the opening of the Lost Screen Memorial in Geneva, Switzerland, in May, Meghan urged global health leaders to act to keep children safe online.
Speaking at the memorial for people who have died after suffering digital harm, the duchess described children’s online safety as a “public health issue”.
The Government’s incoming ban, set to be passed by Christmas and in place by spring next year, will leave tech firms, rather than children, liable for enforcement action if they fail to comply.
There will also be measures to prevent children from chatting with adults on gaming and livestreaming platforms.
