Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Support Australia’s Social Media Ban for Kids Under 16
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have voiced support for Australia’s landmark decision to ban children under 16 from having access to social media platforms. The couple responded after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that national legislation is moving forward following a government-backed report on the psychological harms facing young people. The news was reported by People.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have focused much of their advocacy on online safety, praised the move through their Archewell Foundation. They described the ban as an “important step toward protecting young people from the documented dangers of social media,” referencing years of research showing rising rates of anxiety, self-harm, and online exploitation among minors. The report shaping Australia’s policy shift highlights that children under 16 lack the neurological maturity to handle targeted algorithms or addictive engagement mechanics.
The couple’s endorsement comes amid expanding international conversations about regulating youth exposure to digital platforms. Their statement aligns with their previous calls for stronger protections and greater accountability for tech companies. In recent years, Harry and Meghan have participated in panels and roundtables with affected families, mental health professionals, and lawmakers.
Australia’s policy is expected to influence other governments, with analysts noting a growing willingness among Western nations to legislate digital-age child protection. For the Sussexes, the decision reinforces a global movement they have been publicly championing since 2020.
