The Duchess of Sussex addresses mental health issues caused by social media at the South by Southwest Festival

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, took the stage at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival in Austin, Texas, to deliver a powerful speech on the impact of social media on mental health, particularly for young girls. Addressing a packed audience, Meghan shared her personal experiences with online bullying and called for a safer online environment.

Dressed in a chic silk outfit, Meghan began her keynote speech by discussing the importance of feminism and how gender equality can be achieved. She highlighted her own struggles with online harassment, particularly during her pregnancies with her children, Archie and Lilibet. “The bulk of the bullying and abuse that I was experiencing in social media and online was when I was pregnant with Archie and with Lili,” she revealed, emphasizing the cruelty of such attacks during vulnerable times.

Prince Harry, Meghan’s husband, was present in the front row, offering his support and admiration as she spoke. Meghan praised Harry for being a hands-on dad and expressed her gratitude for his presence in her life.

The Duchess also announced a new project in collaboration with Geena Davis and Moms First, aimed at raising awareness about the portrayal of mothers in television and its impact on societal perceptions. Meghan’s involvement with the project underscores her commitment to advocating for women’s representation in media and entertainment.

Meghan’s speech at SXSW was part of the opening day keynote titled “Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen.” She was joined on stage by journalist Katie Couric, actress Brooke Shields, and diversity equity and inclusion consultant Nancy Wang Yuen.

The Duchess’s participation in the festival and her ongoing efforts to address issues of online bullying and mental health continue to highlight her dedication to supporting women’s rights and promoting positive change in society. Her speech at SXSW serves as a reminder of the challenges women face in the digital age and the importance of creating a more inclusive and respectful online environment.