Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have launched there new project called the The Parents’ Network which is in association with the couples foundation, Archewell Foundation.
The idea behind the project is to help parents that have lost a child as a result of social media, whether it be directly or indirectly, and to be a voice for those that have suffered from this, as well as giving parents a place where they can go for help.
The couple started this group not only to be a voice for those that need it, but coming from a place of having been previously bullied online themselves, and Harry has been through the stages of grief so they felt as though they could use their platform to offer their help to those that need it.
Harry said ”over the course of the last 16, 17 years, that social media has been around, that it could happen to absolutely anybody, in the olden days if your kids were under your roof, you knew what they were up to; at least they were safe, right? And now, they could be in the next-door room on a tablet or on a phone and can be going down these rabbit holes. And before you know it, within 24 hours, they could be taking their life.”
Meghan also spoke on the work they have been doing ””Our kids are young; they’re three and five. They’re amazing. But all you want to do as parents is protect them. And so, as we can see what’s happening in the online space, we know that there’s a lot of work to be done there, and we’re just happy to be able to be a part of change for good.”
Children will be able to ask for help, and The Parents’ Network will be the place to help give it.
Parents that have already joined the network and spoke on their loss, is Donna and Chris Dawley, who lost their 17 year old son, C.J, from suicide which they believe was down to depression off the back of using social media.
Donna spoke about how addicted he was to his phone that ”he still had it in his hand, that’s how addicted he was, he couldn’t even kill himself without posting about it first.”
The gathering that launched this campaign was for the launch, with parents gathering round that have lost their children in similar circumstances, but The Parents Network will mostly continue online in an accessible way with the idea being there, for those that need the time, and comfort.
If you, or anyone you know is going through something similar please reach out SAMARITANS 116 123
