The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, recently participated in the inaugural event of Social Media U, a program designed to equip young girls with digital wellness skills. The event took place at Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, California and is a joint initiative backed by the Archewell Foundation, the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation, and Pivotal Ventures, an organization led by Melinda French Gates.
On October 2, Markle joined forces with Larissa May, the founder of nonprofit #HalfTheStory, and Stephanie J. Hull, the CEO of Girls Inc., for an afternoon devoid of screens, filled with games, bracelet-making activities, and discussions around the influence of social media. The program is designed to encourage teenagers to interact positively with technology, while also fostering connections in the real world.
In a statement, May expressed the desire to create an environment where vulnerability is embraced and the voices of teens are heard. “With Meghan and Stephanie, we discussed what it truly means to grow up in this digital era,” she said.
During an activity that focused on emotional reactions to different social media situations, Markle shared her personal encounters with online negativity. May stated that Markle mentioned being “one of the most bullied people in the world.”
However, sources close to the Duchess clarified that she did not label herself as “one of the most bullied people in the world,” but spoke broadly about the challenges posed by online harassment.
In the past, Markle has spoken about the negative impact of cyberbullying on her mental health. She has highlighted the need for a safer digital space for future generations. “Almost every parent needs to be a first responder,” she stated in a previous interview, emphasizing the role of families in dealing with online abuse.
The aim of the Social Media U program is to provide young girls with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the intricacies of the online world. Hull stated that Girls Inc. has always evolved to address the needs of girls. “Today, we’re focusing on the digital world as the place where we need to address the safety and well-being of girls,” she said.
May lauded the collaboration and highlighted the importance of empowering youth 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 annually via Girls Inc.’s network of 75 organizations spread across the United States and Canada. The program addresses issues such as body image, online safety, and mental health support, with the objective of empowering girls to flourish both online and offline.
Markle’s involvement in this initiative is a reflection of her continued commitment to mental health advocacy and digital well-being. Through the Archewell Foundation, she and Prince Harry have supported several initiatives that promote responsible use of technology among young people. Earlier this year, the couple had visited Colombia to participate in a conference centered on building a better digital future.
Prince Harry has also been engaged in charitable activities, attending the WellChild Awards in the United Kingdom and visiting Lesotho to support Sentebale, a charity he co-founded to aid children affected by HIV and AIDS.
Markle’s visit to Girls Inc. highlights her ongoing dedication to driving positive change for young people. By sharing her experiences and supporting programs like Social Media U, she continues to advocate for a more understanding and supportive online environment.
