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Meghan Markle says she is 'one of the most bullied people
Meghan Markle Calls Herself 'One of the Most Bullied People in the World' During Inspiring Visit to California Teens.
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, made a surprise visit to a group of children and teenagers in California last week, where she opened up about her personal struggles with online bullying. The 43-year-old royal joined an event hosted by Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, collaborating with #HalfTheStory, a non-profit organization that promotes digital wellness among the younger generation.
During her visit on October 2, Meghan participated in activities aimed at raising awareness about the impact of social media and technology on young people. The event was part of the launch of a new program called Social Media U, designed to help teenagers navigate the complexities of the digital world.
Meghan’s Message: Battling Cyberbullying
At the event, Meghan spoke candidly about her experiences with online bullying, revealing that she considers herself "one of the most bullied people in the world." Larissa May, the founder of #HalfTheStory, shared insights from the day, recounting how Meghan participated in discussions about the emotional toll of online harassment.
"We did an activity where we talked through a bunch of scenarios, and Meghan talked about being one of the most bullied people in the world," May said in an interview with Vanity Fair. "We had girls wave these little emoji signs and talk about how each one of these scenarios would have impacted them emotionally."
Meghan's honesty resonated deeply with the teenagers, many of whom face their own struggles with cyberbullying and the pressures of social media. Through the Social Media U curriculum, which Meghan helped test during her visit, the aim is to provide teenagers with tools to build healthier relationships with technology while also encouraging them to disconnect and engage in face-to-face interactions.
Empowering Teenagers in the Digital Age
Social Media U was developed with input from the teenagers on #HalfTheStory's advisory board and aims to empower young people to use technology creatively and positively. It encourages socializing without screens, while also offering strategies to help them navigate the challenges of online life.
The initiative is supported by various philanthropic organizations, including Meghan and Prince Harry’s Archewell Foundation, the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation, and Melissa French Gates’s Pivotal Ventures. Together, these organizations are working to spread the digital wellness program across the United States.
Meghan's Personal Struggles with Online Hate
Meghan’s involvement with Social Media U aligns with her ongoing advocacy against cyberbullying and her personal battle with online harassment. Earlier this year, Meghan spoke at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Texas, where she opened up about the intense and hateful cyberbullying she endured while pregnant with her two children, Archie and Lilibet.
"I keep my distance from it right now for my wellbeing," Meghan said at the festival. "But the bulk of the bullying and abuse I was experiencing in social media and online was when I was pregnant with Archie and with Lili, and with a newborn, with each of them."
The Duchess described the psychological impact of the online attacks during this vulnerable time in her life. "You just think about that and try to wrap your head around why people would be so hateful. It's not catty, it's cruel. Why would you do that when you're pregnant or as a mom? It's such a tender and sacred time," she explained.
Meghan added that the experience was deeply painful but emphasized the importance of resilience. "You could succumb to it, or nearly succumb to how painful that is. Or maybe because I was pregnant, that mammalian instinct just kicks in to do everything you can to protect your child and, as a result, protect yourself too."
The Archewell Foundation's Ongoing Work
Meghan’s visit to Girls Inc. is just one example of her and Prince Harry’s broader commitment to addressing the harmful effects of social media on young people. In addition to the Social Media U initiative, the couple recently launched The Parents' Network, a campaign aimed at improving online safety for children.
The Parents' Network seeks to create a safe and supportive community for parents and caregivers navigating the challenges of raising children in the digital age. The network, which is part of the Sussexes' Archewell Foundation, is designed to help those who have experienced trauma related to social media, including cyberbullying, depression, anxiety, and sexual exploitation.
A description on the Archewell website explains the mission of The Parents' Network: "For anyone who has a child affected by social media harms, we are here to support you. Our safe and supportive community is available to all parents and caregivers navigating the complex digital world."
Guiding Parents Through Social Media Dangers
As part of The Parents' Network, the Archewell Foundation has released a series of guides designed to help parents and caregivers improve their children's safety on social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. These guides provide valuable information on how to monitor and manage online activities and are created in collaboration with The Social Media Victims Law Center.
The Sussexes hope that through initiatives like The Parents' Network and Social Media U, they can make a meaningful difference in the lives of families and children struggling with the negative effects of the digital world.
Stepping into Individual Passions
Meghan’s recent public appearances, including her visit to Girls Inc., also reflect a new phase in the couple's lives. While they continue to work together on joint projects, insiders have noted that Meghan and Harry are increasingly pursuing their individual passions.
Prince Harry has been focusing on his charitable efforts, while Meghan has been exploring her entrepreneurial interests. A source close to the couple told People: "The Duke and Duchess have now hit their stride as individuals – not just as a couple. The Duke appears focused on his patronage work, and the Duchess focused on her entrepreneurial track."
While Meghan continues to champion causes related to digital wellness and mental health, she remains committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young people, both through her public appearances and behind-the-scenes philanthropic work.
As Meghan's visit to Girls Inc. demonstrated, the Duchess is using her platform to bring attention to the challenges facing today's youth in the digital age. Through candid discussions and hands-on involvement, she hopes to inspire the next generation to be strong, smart, bold, and above all, kind in both the online and offline worlds.
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