Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex and wife of Prince Harry, recently participated in the launch of Social Media U, a digital wellness program aimed at empowering young girls in the digital age. The event was held at Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara and is part of a collaborative effort supported by the Archewell Foundation, the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation, and Melinda French Gates’ Pivotal Ventures.
On October 2, Markle joined Larissa May, founder of the nonprofit #HalfTheStory, and Stephanie J. Hull, CEO of Girls Inc., in a screen-free afternoon filled with games, friendship bracelet-making, and open discussions about the impact of social media. The program encourages teens to engage positively with technology while fostering real-world connections.
“We wanted to create a space where vulnerability is welcomed, and the voices of the teens are heard,” May said. “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 shared her personal experiences with online negativity. According to May, Markle said she is “one of the most bullied people in the world.”
Sources close to the Duchess clarified that she did not claim to be “one of the most bullied people in the world,” but rather spoke generally about the challenges of online harassment.
Markle has previously opened up about the toll that cyberbullying has taken on her mental health. In past interviews, she emphasized the importance of creating a safer digital environment for future generations. “Almost every parent needs to be a first responder,” she once stated, highlighting the role of families in addressing online abuse.
The Social Media U program aims to equip 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 praised the collaboration, emphasizing the necessity 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 will reach approximately 114,000 girls annually 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 involvement 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. underscores 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.
