Meghan Markle told young women she was “one of the most oppressed people in the world” as she stepped out alone for the second time in a week.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, was without Prince Harry when she visited Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara on Oct. 2 to talk about a new “digital wellness” program co-funded by Sussex’s Archewell Foundation.
At the event, Meghan told the twins that she was “one of the most bullied people in the world,” while using emojis to describe how different online situations would affect them emotionally.
Girls Inc., an American nonprofit that encourages girls to be “strong, smart and brave,” has partnered with #HalfTheStory, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the next generation’s relationship with technology, to launch this program in all states.
However, it is the second time she has been without her husband since her visit to the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles gala on October 5, as royal experts claim the couple are “going their separate ways” as they have been increasingly more “separate lives.”
Meghan Markle surprised a group of children and teenagers last week when she joined them for an afternoon of games and crafts.
Dr. Estefanía J. Hull, Larissa May, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex and a set of twins seen at Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara on October 2
(Left to right) Larissa May, Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex and Dr. Stephanie J. lol
The trip was thought to be part of a new plan that would allow them to hold more separate events, a friend said recently.
The Sussexes will continue to participate in joint engagements, but will often be seen alone in public as they pursue their own passions.
Prince Harry was away from home for a fortnight on a pseudo-royal tour of New York, London and South Africa.
‘The Duke and Duchess have made progress as individuals, not just as a couple. “The Duke has focused on his patronage work and the Duchess on her business career,” said a friend of the Sussexes.
The source told PEOPLE: “It is clear that a two-track approach is being developed.”
Larissa May, founder of #HalfTheStory, Duchess and Girls Inc. along with its CEO Stephanie J. Hull attended the event to celebrate the collaboration.
“We did an activity where we talked about various scenarios and Megan talked about being one of the most oppressed people in the world,” May said. vanity fair.
“Our girls covered these little emoji symbols and talked about how each of these situations would affect them emotionally.”
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, visited Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara
) Dr. Stephanie J. Hal and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, are seen smiling at Girls Inc.
May added: “With Stephanie and Megan, we talked about what it means to grow up in this digital age.”
The Social Media U curriculum, which the duchess helped pilot during her visit earlier this month, was designed with input from teenagers on the #HalfTheStory advisory board.
The goal is said to be to encourage teens to socialize without screens, but also to help them use technology for creativity and positive communication.
The effort is financially supported by Meghan and Prince Harry’s Archwell Foundation, the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation and Melissa French Gates’ Pivotal Ventures, the publication said.
In March 2024, Meghan opened up about the ‘disgusting’ cyberbullying she received while pregnant with Archie and Lilybet during the SXSW festival.
The Duchess of Sussex was in Texas to discuss “breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes” at a festival event with Brooke Shields and Katie Couric.
Meghan Markle (pictured Oct. 5) surprised a group of children and teens last week when she joined them for an afternoon of games and crafts.
The Duchess of Sussex (pictured with the Duke in August 2024), 43, visited Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara on Oct. 2 to support a new digital wellness program called Social Media U.
Meghan opened up about her social media use, stating that the most online hate she experienced was when she was pregnant with her two young children.
“I stay away now for my sanity, but all the harassment and abuse I faced on social media and online was when I was pregnant with Archie and Lily and a newborn, every single one of them,” she said.
‘You just think about it and understand why people are so hated. It’s not cute, it’s cruel. Why would you do that when you are pregnant or as a mother? It’s a tender and sacred moment.’
And he added: “You can give in or almost kill yourself because of how painful it is.” Or maybe it’s because she was pregnant that the mammalian instinct to do everything she can to protect her baby and, in turn, protect herself is activated.’
Meghan’s departure last week to support the Digital Wellbeing Partnership comes after the Duke and Duchess launched an initiative to tackle children’s safety online called The Parents Network.
As part of the campaign, a group of parents have come together to help provide a “safe and supportive community (that) is available to all parents and caregivers navigating the complex digital world.”
In March 2024, Meghan opened up about the ‘disgusting’ cyberbullying she received while pregnant with Archie and Lilybet during the SXSW festival.
Megan meets a young woman invited to the gala
This group includes those who have “first-hand knowledge of the pain and destruction caused by social media use.”
A description of the network on the Sussex Archewell Foundation website says: ‘EEach of us has been through something no parent should have to experience, and our goal is to prevent anyone else from suffering the same way we do.
‘For anyone who has a child affected by the harm of social media, we are here to support you. Our safe and supportive community is available to all parents and caregivers navigating the complex digital world.’
In addition to those who have lost their children, The Parents Network aims to support those whose children are “struggling with the ongoing issues of cyberbullying, depression and anxiety, sexual exploitation, eating disorders, and other social media-related trauma.” wear’.
According to the network: ‘Some are looking for ways to channel pain into a purpose. Some are simply trying to survive, while making sure our children do the same.
“We are all looking for safe, supportive environments where we can talk openly about experiences that are often kept under lock and key and build meaningful relationships with others who understand.”
Additionally, the site published a list of three guides, each addressing a social media platform, including Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok.
The site describes the guides as “reproduced in partnership with The Social Media Victims Law Center.”
Compiled using information from the center’s online social media guide, it includes information about what each platform is used for and how caregivers can “improve their child’s safety” while using them.
Parallel to the launch of the campaign, the couple gave their first official interview together in three years, appearing on the Sunday Morning program of the American radio station CBS News.
While sitting down with host Jane Pauley, the couple said they want to “be part of a change for the better” in the “online space.”
Meghan (pictured) enjoying chatting with her friend Kelly Mackie in downtown Los Angeles. One expert stated that he seemed “lost; except for harry
Prince Harry has been touring the world supporting causes close to his heart over the past fortnight, including South Africa (pictured on Friday).
“Our kids are little, they’re three and five,” said Meghan, who wore a £12,800 Cartier necklace and £1,485 Ralph Lauren laces for the appearance.
‘They are incredible. But all you want to do as a parent is protect them. And so, seeing what’s happening in the online space, we know there’s a lot of work to be done and we’re happy to be part of the change for the better.”
Harry added: “At this point, we’ve reached the point where almost every parent has to be the first to respond.”
“And not even the best first responders in the world will be able to detect signs of a possible suicide.” That’s the scary part.’
Megan also talked about suicidal thoughts. The duchess first said she had suicidal thoughts while on royal duty three years ago, when Oprah Winfrey interviewed the couple.
During an interview with CBS News’ Sunday Morning, he said he hopes his candor will help others and encourage people to reach out to their friends.
“There is a limit when you go through any level of pain or trauma,” says Megan. ‘Part of your healing journey, of course, is my part of being open about it.
‘I haven’t really scratched the surface of my experience. I would never want anyone else to feel this way. I would never want anyone else to make this kind of plan. I don’t want anyone else to believe that.
She added: “So if I say what I’ve overcome, to save someone or encourage someone in their life to really look at it, don’t assume that the appearance is good, don’t assume that everything is fine, I’ll take it.” .’
