Prince Harry brought his campaign to help children and parents navigate cyberspace to this week's Clinton Global Initiative, where he highlighted the negative impact of online platforms on youth. The Duke of Sussex emphasized the need for corporate accountability, questioning why leaders of social media companies are held to the “lowest ethical standards” and calling on shareholders to demand change.
As pressures mount on tech giants like Meta, Snap, and TikTok to make their platforms safer for younger users, companies have made some changes, such as Instagram announcing that teen accounts will be private by default in certain countries. However, safety advocates stress that more work needs to be done to protect children from harmful content and online harms.
Prince Harry's contribution to the CGI annual meeting was part of the “What's Working” theme, where he discussed the importance of supporting parents and children affected by online dangers. His foundation, Archewell, has launched initiatives to address online harms and violence against children, partnering with organizations like the World Health Organization.
During his address, Prince Harry also highlighted the upcoming Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, set to take place in Bogotá this November, which could result in the first global agreement prioritizing child safety online. His message was well-received at the conference, with attendees like Nia Faith and Ashley Lashley acknowledging the importance of his advocacy for positive change in the digital space.
Overall, Prince Harry's call to action on the harmful effects of social media on youth has sparked conversations about the need for a multi-sector approach to ensure online platforms are safe and empowering for children and families worldwide. His efforts to address online harms and promote positive digital engagement have resonated with attendees at the CGI meeting, encouraging collaboration across different sectors to create a safer online environment for all.