The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, recently participated in the initiation of Social Media U, a program designed to empower young girls in a digital age. The event took place at Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, California, with the support of the Archewell Foundation, the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation, and Melinda French Gates’ Pivotal Ventures.
On October 2, Markle, along with Larissa May, founder of the nonprofit #HalfTheStory, and Stephanie J. Hull, CEO of Girls Inc., spent an afternoon devoid of screens, filled instead with games, bracelet-making, and candid conversations about the influence of social media. The program is designed to encourage teenagers to engage positively with technology while fostering connections in the real world.
“We wanted to create a space where vulnerability is welcomed, and the voices of the teens are heard,” May stated. “With Meghan and Stephanie, we discussed what it truly means to grow up in this digital era.”
During an activity focusing on emotional responses to various social media scenarios, Markle opened up about her personal experiences with online negativity. May said that Markle claimed to be “one of the most bullied people in the world.”
Sources close to Markle clarified that she did not declare herself to be “one of the most bullied people in the world,” but instead spoke broadly about the challenges associated with online harassment.
Markle has previously spoken about the impact that cyberbullying has had on her mental health. In previous interviews, she has stressed the importance of creating a safer digital space for future generations. “Almost every parent needs to be a first responder,” she once stated, emphasizing the role of families in tackling online abuse.
The goal of the Social Media U program is to provide young girls with the tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of the online world. “Girls Inc. has always evolved to meet girls where they are,” Hull said. “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, highlighting the importance of empowering youth in a technology-driven society. “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 about 114,000 girls each year 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 thrive both online and offline.
Markle’s participation reflects her ongoing commitment to mental health advocacy and digital well-being. Through the Archewell Foundation, she and Prince Harry have supported various initiatives promoting responsible technology use among youth. Earlier this year, the couple visited Colombia to participate in a conference focused on building a better digital future.
Prince Harry has also been active in charitable endeavors, attending the WellChild Awards in the United Kingdom and visiting Lesotho to support Sentebale, a charity he co-founded to assist children affected 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 supporting programs like Social Media U, she continues to advocate for a more empathetic and supportive online environment.