Meghan Markle’s recent visit to Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara has sparked a conversation, not just about digital wellness, but also about her personal experiences with online harassment.
During the event, where she helped launch the nationwide rollout of the Social Media U program, Meghan opened up about the toll that online bullying has taken on her.
The Social Media U initiative, which aims to teach young girls how to navigate the digital world safely, is being funded by Meghan and Prince Harry’s Archewell Foundation, the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation, and Pivotal Ventures, founded by Melinda French Gates.
The program is part of a broader effort to promote digital well-being for young people, equipping them with tools to handle the pressures of social media.
Meghan Markle most bullied
While participating in activities with the girls, Meghan shared her thoughts on growing up in a digital age. According to Larissa May, founder of the digital well-being movement #HalfTheStory, Meghan remarked, “I was one of the most bullied people in the world.”
This comment came during a session where the girls used emoji signs to express how different social media scenarios made them feel.
Larissa May further explained that the conversation with Meghan and Girls Inc. CEO Stephanie J. Hull focused on the emotional impact of online interactions. “We talked about what it means to grow up in this digital age,” May said.
However, sources who spoke with New York Post have questioned the accuracy of Meghan’s statement.
They confirmed that while she did discuss her experiences with online bullying, she never directly claimed to be “the most bullied person in the world.”
The discrepancy between Meghan’s remarks and the interpretation of her words has led to some debate about the context of her comments.
Despite the controversy, the event itself was a positive experience for the girls involved. It was a screen-free afternoon filled with games, bracelet-making, and conversations about social media and its effects.
The goal was to encourage healthier relationships with technology and give the girls practical tools for dealing with the online world.