Meghan Markle and Prince Harry got candid about the challenges of raising children in the digital age while speaking at a World Mental Health Day event.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped out in New York City Tuesday for the first Archewell Foundation Parents’ Summit, titled “Mental Wellness in a Digital Age.”
During the discussion — which was moderated by “Today” co-host Carson Daly — the couple revealed they’ve been secretly working with tech companies and parents that have lost children due to online bullying.
“A year ago we met some of the families, and at the time, it was impossible not to be in tears hearing their stories because it’s just that devastating,” Markle — who shares son Archie, 4, and daughter Lilibet, 2, with Harry — said, per People.
Although Markle, 42, and Harry, 39, noted that their children are still “really young,” they know that social media “isn’t going away” and parents need to be prepared for what that means.
“I think for us, for myself and my wife, with kids growing up in a digital age, the priority here is to again turn pain into purpose and provide as much support as well as a spotlight and a platform for these parents to come together, to heal, to grieve and to also collectively focus on solutions so that no other family anywhere has to go through what they’ve been through,” Harry said.
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Toward the end of the panel, Daly asked the former “Suits” star how her perspective on the topic has changed not only as “a kick-ass woman, but as a mom.”
“Being a mom is the most important thing in my entire life — outside, of course, being a wife to this one,” Markle replied, gesturing to Harry.
“But I will say I feel fortunate that our children are at an age, again quite young, so this isn’t in our immediate future, but I also feel frightened at how it’s continuing to change and this will be in front of us.
“They say being a parent, the days are long but the years are short, so it worries me, but I’m also given a lot of hope and energy by the progress we’ve made in the past year being able to have these incredible parents, these survivors of these experiences, share their stories and the more information gathering we’re able to do, the more we can move the needle a little bit,” she concluded.
The panel — which was hosted by Project Healthy Minds — was created to focus on “community and creating positive change for a safer online world for young people.”
Although the topic at hand was quite heavy, Markle looked like breath of fresh air in a white off-the-shoulder blazer and trousers.
The former actress accentuated the low neckline by wearing by her hair up in a sleek bun.
The Duchess accessorized the monochromatic look with a pair of nude slingback heels, a simple gold pendant necklace and small hoop earrings.
Meanwhile, Harry let his wife shine as he opted for a simple navy suit and matching tie.
Tuesday’s outing marked the Sussexes’ first time back in the Big Apple since their scary paparazzi car chase in May.
