Appearing on ‘Sunday Morning’ to discuss cyberbullying, the Duchess of Sussex revealed the pain she has experienced.
In a bid to make the online world a better place, Harry and Meghan were interviewed by CBS reporter Jane Pauley on a show that aired on August 4. During the interview, Pauley asked Meghan about her decision to go public with her suicidal thoughts when she agreed to “tell all” with Oprah Winfrey in 2021. Having admitted to being bullied and abused on social media, the former American actress told Pauley that she recognized similarities between her personal experiences and those of children who encounter toxic situations on the Internet.
“When you’ve been through pain or trauma, I believe that part of our healing journey — and that certainly includes me — is being able to be really open about it,” Meghan said. “I’ve really touched on that experience, but I never want anyone else to feel that way and I never want anyone to be tempted to feel that way.”
“If me speaking out about what I’ve been through can save someone or encourage someone in their life to genuinely care about themselves and not assume that everything is okay because they look okay, then it’s worth it. I’m willing to be vulnerable if that’s what it takes,” the Suits star added .
As parents to Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, Meghan has also spoken out about her desire to protect her children. “Our children are young – 3 and 5. They are so adorable. As parents, all we want to do is protect them. So when we saw what was happening, we knew we had to do something and we’re so happy to be able to be a part of making a positive change online,” Meghan shared with a smile.
The Sussexes said their Archewell Foundation is launching The Parents Network to support parents whose children are affected by social media use. After a two-year pilot, the initiative is now available in the US, UK and Canada.
Harry and Meghan ‘s newly announced trip to Colombia will also focus on child protection. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will travel to the South American country in November to attend the Conference on the Elimination of Violence Against Children at the invitation of Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez.