Los Angeles– Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are taking a stand against online hate and its impact on families through their new initiative, *The Parents Network*. The couple, who have faced significant public scrutiny and personal attacks, are using their platform to address the challenges of social media and its potential dangers.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who share two young children, Archie and Lilibet, have launched the project to provide support and resources for parents navigating the complex and often perilous landscape of online interactions. In an interview with CBS, Prince Harry emphasized the alarming reality that social media threats could affect anyone, regardless of their background.
“One of the scariest things we’ve learned over the past 16, 17 years is that social media can be a very dangerous space. It could happen to absolutely anybody,” Harry explained. He contrasted the safety once felt in the physical presence of children at home with the vulnerability they face online. “In the olden days, if your kids were under your roof, you knew what they were up to; at least they were safe. Now, they could be in the next room on a tablet or phone, and before you know it, they could be going down harmful rabbit holes, sometimes with devastating consequences.”
Meghan Markle, who has been open about her struggles with mental health and public scrutiny, shared her personal connection to the issue. “Having experienced pain and trauma firsthand, part of my healing journey is being open about it,” Meghan said. “I would never want anyone else to feel the way I have felt or to reach a point where they feel hopeless. If sharing my story can make a difference or encourage someone to genuinely check in on their loved ones, then it’s worth it.”
The initiative aims to offer support to families who have been affected by the darker sides of social media, including those who have lost children to online abuse. Meghan and Harry’s personal experiences with media pressure and online hate fuel their dedication to creating a safer online environment.
Through *The Parents Network*, the Sussexes hope to provide resources and foster conversations about mental health, digital safety, and emotional well-being. Meghan highlighted the importance of not just assuming that someone’s outward appearance is a true reflection of their internal state. “If my voice can help save someone or encourage someone to take a deeper look into their own or their child’s well-being, then I believe it’s all worthwhile.”
As they continue to navigate their roles as public figures and parents, Harry and Meghan’s new project reflects their commitment to using their experiences to make a positive impact and to support others in overcoming the challenges posed by online hate.
In other news – Zambia to Import Electricity Amid Severe Drought and Power Shortages
On Thursday, Zambia announced a significant step to address its worsening power crisis by importing electricity from neighboring South Africa and Zimbabwe. The move comes as the country faces an unprecedented drought that has sharply reduced hydropower output, resulting in blackouts of up to 16 hours daily.
Energy Minister Makozo Chikote revealed that ZESCO, Zambia’s state-owned power company, will acquire 218 megawatts of electricity from South Africa’s Eskom and the Zimbabwe Power Company. Chikote indicated that the additional power will be integrated into Zambia’s grid within August. Read More
