The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, recently took part in the introduction of Social Media U, a digital wellness program designed to empower adolescent girls in the digital age. The event was hosted by Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, California, and is part of a joint initiative backed by the Archewell Foundation, the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation, and Pivotal Ventures, Melinda French Gates’ organization.
Markle, on October 2, teamed up with Larissa May, founder of the nonprofit #HalfTheStory, and Stephanie J. Hull, CEO of Girls Inc., for a screen-free day filled with games, friendship bracelet-making, and discussions on the effects of social media. The program encourages young people to interact positively with technology while cultivating real-world relationships.
“We wanted to create a space where vulnerability is welcomed, and the voices of the teens are heard,” May expressed. “With Meghan and Stephanie, we discussed what it truly means to grow up in this digital era.”
In a session centered on emotional reactions to different social media situations, Markle shared her personal encounters with online negativity. May stated that Markle said she is “one of the most bullied people in the world.”
Clarifications from sources close to the Duchess indicated that she did not profess to be “one of the most bullied people in the world,” but instead, she spoke broadly about the struggles of online harassment.
Markle has previously spoken about the impact of cyberbullying on her mental health. In earlier interviews, she underlined the necessity of building a safer digital space for the upcoming generations. “Almost every parent needs to be a first responder,” she said, signifying the role of families in tackling online abuse.
The objective of the Social Media U program is to provide young girls with the skills and understanding to navigate the intricacies of the online world. “Girls Inc. has always evolved to meet girls where they are,” Hull noted. “Today, we’re focusing on the digital world as the place where we need to address the safety and well-being of girls.”
May lauded the collaboration, underscoring the importance of empowering the younger generation in a society dominated by technology. “Tech isn’t going anywhere. It’s more like food than a drug because it is a social determinant of public health, economic empowerment, and academic empowerment,” she explained.
The initiative is set to reach approximately 114,000 girls yearly through Girls Inc.’s network of 75 organizations across the United States and Canada. The program addresses issues such as body image, online safety, and mental health support, aiming to empower girls to succeed both online and offline.
Markle’s participation reflects her ongoing advocacy for mental health and digital wellness. Through the Archewell Foundation, she and Prince Harry have backed numerous initiatives promoting responsible use of technology among youth. Earlier this year, the royal couple visited Colombia to attend a conference focused on building a better digital future.
Prince Harry has also devoted time to charitable efforts, attending the WellChild Awards in the United Kingdom and visiting Lesotho to support Sentebale, a charity he co-founded to help children impacted by HIV and AIDS.
The Duchess’ visit to Girls Inc. highlights her dedication to fostering positive change for young people. By sharing her experiences and endorsing programs like Social Media U, she continues to advocate for a more empathetic and supportive online environment.