Harry and Meghan release new CBS interview on cyber abuse as Duke says parents should be ‘first responders’ and warns many ‘may not recognise early signs of suicide’

Harry and Meghan have released a new CBS interview about cyber abuse, in which the Duke says parents need to be “first responders.”

The prince went on to say that “frighteningly” many parents do not know how to recognise “the signs of possible suicide”.

The full interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will air on the US channel’s Sunday morning show, three years after their shocking interview with Oprah Winfrey.

In the interview with presenter Jane Pauley, the royal couple talk about how parents should protect their children from online dangers. They look back on their own experiences with Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three.

The Duchess said: ‘Our children are young, they are three and five, they are wonderful, but all you want to do as parents is protect them.

Harry and Meghan release new CBS interview on cyber abuse, with the Duke saying parents need to be ‘first responders’

During the interview about cyber abuse, Meghan said she was ‘just happy to be part of positive change’

During the interview, Meghan also spoke about her “amazing” children – Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three

Prince Archie, who turns five today, seen with his parents Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and his younger sister Lilibet in 2021

“And now that we see what’s happening online, we know there’s still a lot of work to be done. We’re glad we can be part of a positive change.”

When the announcer adds ‘you’ “I hope that when your children ask for help, there is someone who can give it to you,” the Duke adds, adding only “if you know how to help.”

“We’re at the point where almost every parent has to be a first responder,” he said. “And even the best first responders in the world wouldn’t be able to recognize the signs of possible suicide. That’s the scary part about it.”

The clip, shared on social media this afternoon, follows the announcement that the California-based royals will tour Colombia later this year, where they will “engage with leaders, youth and women”.

They will travel to the South American country this year after receiving an initiation from the country’s president, Francia Márquez.

The exact date of the tour has not yet been announced.

During this period, the couple will – as stated in their last interview – ‘undertake various activities’ related to ‘cyberbullying, online exploitation and the consequences of these threats to mental health’.

According to Ms. Márquez’s office, the couple would “experience Colombia’s rich heritage” and “highlight Colombia’s role as a beacon of culture and innovation.”

Prince Harry and Meghan at the 2024 ESPY Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on July 11

Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez at the Festival of Culture in New Orleans on July 6

Meghan receives flowers from a girl upon arrival for a sitting volleyball match in Abuja on May 11

She added that the visit comes ahead of the first global ministerial conference on ending violence against children, which will take place in Colombia in November.

Ms Márquez said: ‘As Vice President of Colombia and Minister of Equality and Equity, I am pleased to inform you that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have accepted my invitation to visit our beautiful country.’

She added: ‘The Archewell Foundation, founded by The Duke and Duchess, is known for its global leadership in creating a safer online environment.

‘The upcoming conference will present a comprehensive framework for creating safer physical and digital spaces, addressing issues such as cyberbullying, online exploitation and the impact of these threats on mental health.

‘It will provide actionable solutions and commitments for countries around the world. During their visit, the Duke and Duchess, as well as the Archewell Foundation, will take part in a range of activities related to this important topic.

“We are confident that their visit will further highlight Colombia’s role as a beacon of culture and innovation.”

The couple’s interview on CBS Sunday Morning addresses the same issues surrounding cyber abuse.

A note about the interview accompanied the clip on social media. It read: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be speaking to Jane Pauley this Sunday about a new programme to support parents of children affected by online harm.

For help and support you can call the Samaritans free from a UK phone, completely anonymously, on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org