Duchess of Sussex addresses harmful effects of social media on mental health

Meghan Markle made a powerful statement against online abuse during her appearance at the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas. The Duchess of Sussex, accompanied by husband Prince Harry, spoke about the detrimental impact of social media on mental health, particularly for young girls.

Markle’s keynote speech, titled “Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen,” highlighted the dangers of the widespread use of social media, emphasizing its role in exacerbating serious mental health issues among teenage girls.

During her talk, Meghan Markle shared personal experiences of online bullying, especially during her pregnancies with Archie and Lilibet, revealing the hurtful comments she received. Despite facing such cruelty, she expressed her determination to protect her children and herself from such negativity.

Prince Harry, visibly supportive, sat in the front row and cheered on his wife as she delivered her speech. Markle praised him as a “hands-on dad,” highlighting his involvement in parenting.

Aside from her speech, Markle also announced a new project aimed at raising awareness about the portrayal of mothers in television and media. This initiative, led by Markle, Geena Davis, and Moms First, seeks to address gaps in the representation of mothers and promote true diversity in media content.

Markle’s activism for women’s rights has been a consistent theme in her life, dating back to her childhood when she campaigned to change a dishwashing soap advert that stereotyped gender roles. Her dedication to empowering women and advocating for gender equity continues to be a driving force in her humanitarian work.

The Duchess’s participation in the festival underscores her commitment to using her platform to effect positive change and challenge societal norms.