Prince Harry and Megan Markle praise Sir Keir Starmer's social media ban as couple release statement

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have released a direct statement to Sir Keir Starmer after he announced a ban on social media for under-16s.The unprecedented block is set to restrict the internet usage of more than 12 million under-16s across the UK.In a public address this morning, the Prime Minister warned that social media was making young people vulnerable to dangerous content online, and thanked the courageous campaigners who helped in the consultation process.The Prime Minister also said that parents will welcome a clear and decisive choice and appreciate that Labour supports them to do the best for their children and fights for their happiness and safety against the most powerful companies in the world. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The ban will come into force in May 2027.Harry and Meghan have long appealed to the masses about the dangers of social media for youngsters.Today, they commended and welcomed the UK Government's approach in a statement, which they say will better protect children online.The stories shared through The Lost Screen Memorial remind us that behind every debate about technology and regulation are real families whose lives have been forever changed, the statement read.Meghan delivered a powerful address at the Lost Screen Memorial in Geneva last month on the dangers of social media.There, the duchess saw a striking installation comprising 50 illuminated lightboxes, each bearing the mobile phone lockscreen image of a young person whose life was cut short by digital harm.LATEST ROYAL NEWSPictured: All the best moments from Order of the Garter ceremonyCatherine and Sophie dazzle at 700-year-old royal ceremony in WindsorKing Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince William attend historic Order of the Garter ceremonyThe statement continued: While measures such as these may help reduce harm, they do not fix the problem at its source.Lasting change requires safer platforms by design, meaningful accountability, and a commitment to putting children’s wellbeing ahead of engagement and profit.The Sussexes added that the burden must not only be shared by parents and children, but also be borne by the companies.Until then, every day without meaningful change is another day that children remain exposed to preventable harm, they said.Stronger protections are better than inaction, and today’s announcement is a welcome step forward.Despite the Sussexes' praise, a top adviser at Save the Children UK, Jeffrey Demarco, warned that while a blanket ban could appear protective on paper, it could risk pushing children into less regulated spaces, where they are less likely to seek help when something goes wrong.Australia became the trailblazer and blueprint for such legislation, after their ban on under-16s social media usage came into force last December.During the Sussexes' tour of the country in April, Harry branded Australia's law as epic.Australia took the lead, he said. Your government was the first country in the world to bring about a ban.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter