
Prince Harry will do anything to protect his children, but he's aware of how difficult that will be in a world governed by the internet and its lack of regulation.
The Duke of Sussex spoke out about online safety as part of a webinar with 5Rights Foundation, organized to mark the launch of their Global Child Online Safety Toolkit.
"As parents, my wife and I are concerned about the next generation growing up in a world where they are treated as digital experiments for companies to make money and where things like hatred and harm are somehow normalized," he said (via People). "We want our children and all children to feel empowered to speak up."
While Archie, 3, and Lilibet, 11 months, are still too young to be affected by harmful content online, the duke is all too aware of how it could affect them in the future. "My two little ones are still at their age of innocence," he continued. "Sometimes I feel like I can keep them away from the online harm that they could face in the future forever, but I'm learning to know better."
The royal wants to "fix" the world wide web as it is—that is, the way it's designed to "pull us in, keep us scrolling, get us angry or anxious—or make us numb to the world around us."
He added, "I'm not an expert on law or technology, but I am a father—and I'm lucky enough to be a father with a platform. My kids are too young to have experienced the online world yet, and I hope they never have to experience it as it exists now. No kid should have to."
People points out that the Sussexes quit Instagram when they quit their roles as senior royals, and have yet to resume their social media activity. This is more than understandable, given the campaign of hate waged against Meghan Markle in particular on platforms like Twitter. I wouldn't want to be exposed to that, either.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Lip Reader Claims Jennifer Lopez Told Ben Affleck to "Look More Friendly" at the Grammys
They looked super tense.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
It's Not Too Early to Start Thinking About Festival Fashion
Get inspired for your trip to the desert.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
This Magic Concealer Is My Holy Grail
It works like magic on pimples, under the eyes, *and* around the face.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
Princess Kate Is a "Textbook Capricorn," Astrologer Says
Can relate.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Royals Probably "Laughed" About Kim Kardashian Buying Princess Diana's Necklace, Expert Claims
It's probably not a big deal to them.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are Likely "Shocked" by the "Negative Pushback" Over 'Spare,' Royal Expert Says
They thought it would be more like the aftermath of Oprah.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Diana Didn't Want to Move Away From England, Her Former Butler Claims
Obviously, we can't ever really know the truth.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
King Charles Will Not Hold "Peace Talks" With Harry and Meghan Before the Coronation, Royal Expert Claims
Oh.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Diana's Butler Responds to Prince Harry Referring to Him as "The Butler" in 'Spare'
Paul Burrell says he's confused and hurt.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Eugenie's New Baby Will Allow the Royal Family to "Put Behind Them a Year of Sorrow and Conflict," Astrologer Says
All good things!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry "Should Have Been Prince William's Wingman," Has Become His "Hitman" Instead, Royal Expert Says
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn