Takeaways:
- Prince Harry and Meghan unveiled The Lost Screen Memorial in NYC, honoring children lost to online harm.
- They are urging tech companies to take accountability and provide more transparency to grieving families.
- The royal couple shared their fears as parents and called for collective action to protect children online.
The Fight Against Online Harm: A Royal Wake-Up Call
In an emotionally charged event in New York City, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle—the Duke and Duchess of Sussex—unveiled The Lost Screen Memorial, a powerful tribute to children whose lives were tragically lost due to the dangers of social media.
The memorial, which opened on April 24, 2025, features 50 illuminated lightboxes designed to resemble smartphones. Each display holds a photo and story of a young life cut short by exposure to harmful online content, aiming to spark national and industry-wide reflection.
“Life Is Better Off Social Media”
In an interview with BBC Breakfast, Prince Harry reflected on the digital dangers that children face, expressing deep concern over the pervasive influence of social media.
“We want to make sure that things are changed so that… no more kids are lost to social media. Life is better off social media.” — Prince Harry
Harry and Meghan are parents to Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3. Harry shared his relief that his own children are not yet old enough to face the pressures of online platforms, stating that “the easiest thing to say is to keep your kids away from social media.” But he also acknowledged a troubling reality: kids who avoid social media can face bullying or exclusion in school for not participating in digital conversations.
Online Dangers Are Not Inevitable
In a statement to Sky News, Harry emphasized that the children being memorialized were not ill or fated to pass—they were victims of preventable digital exposure.
“These children were not sick. Their deaths were not inevitable. They were exposed to, and in many cases pushed toward, harmful content online—the kind any child could encounter.”
He criticized social media platforms for continuing to withhold crucial data from families, data that could provide much-needed closure or accountability. “To the platforms, they may be seen as statistics. To their families, they were cherished and irreplaceable,” he said.
A Growing Crisis
The royal couple has been vocal about this issue for years. In a 2024 interview with CBS, Harry revealed his fears that young people can fall into “rabbit holes” of dark content online—potentially taking their lives in as little as 24 hours.
“Now, they could be in the next room, on a tablet or phone, going down these rabbit holes, and within 24 hours, they could be taking their life.”
Meghan echoed this concern in the most recent appearance:
“Our kids are young… all you want to do as parents is protect them. And so as we can see what’s happening in the online space, we know that there’s a lot of work to be done.”
Why It Matters to the Entertainment Industry
As professionals in entertainment—actors, filmmakers, influencers—you’re often at the forefront of digital culture. Many young fans look up to talent in this space and emulate behaviors seen online. Whether you’re building your brand or producing content, the example you set matters.
This is a call to action not just for parents and tech leaders, but for creatives, content creators, and public figures to advocate for safer digital spaces.
How You Can Make a Difference
- Use your platform to speak up about online safety.
- Support initiatives like The Archewell Foundation, which the couple co-founded to promote compassionate technology.
- Promote digital literacy among your audience and collaborators.
- Model responsible online behavior to help shift industry norms.
Final Thoughts
The Lost Screen Memorial is more than an art installation—it’s a rallying cry for systemic change. For entertainment professionals, this moment presents an opportunity to be part of a movement that prioritizes empathy and accountability in digital spaces.
