In honor of International Day of the Girl, Meghan Markle made a special visit to Girls Inc. in Santa Barbara, where she spent time chatting with young girls about their experiences growing up in the digital world.
This visit was part of a larger initiative supported by Meghan and Prince Harry’s Archewell Foundation, in collaboration with Melinda French Gates’ Pivotal Ventures and the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation.
Together, they’ve partnered with Girls Inc. and the nonprofit #HalfTheStory to launch Social Media U, a program designed to empower girls from underserved communities across the U.S. to navigate the digital age with confidence and resilience.
Meghan Markle promotes digital safety on International Girl’s Day
The program, Social Media U, aims to address critical issues such as body image, online friendships, and safety from predators, while promoting healthier digital habits. It focuses on equipping girls with the skills they need to engage with social media responsibly, fostering a balance between technology use and mental well-being.
Larissa May, the founder of #HalfTheStory, reflected on the importance of this partnership, saying, “As a young girl who nearly lost my life to social media, it’s a dream come true to bring #HalfTheStory’s work to the masses through Girls Inc.”
This collaboration also aligns with the mission of The Archewell Foundation, which has made digital wellness a key pillar in its work, particularly for younger generations.
Meghan’s involvement in supporting young girls dates back to her early years, when at just 11 years old, she successfully campaigned to change a sexist advertisement.
Since marrying Prince Harry, she has continued her advocacy, marking International Day of the Girl with various projects, including a memorable discussion with Malala Yousafzai in 2020 about the barriers preventing millions of girls from accessing education.
As a mother of two, Meghan has also been vocal about the impact of social media on children, advocating for safer online spaces.
Recently, she and Prince Harry appeared on CBS This Morning to discuss The Parents Network, a new initiative by their Archewell Foundation that offers support to parents whose children have been affected by social media-related trauma.
Meghan’s dedication to this cause is personal. Reflecting on her own experiences with online bullying and abuse, she emphasized:
“When you’ve been through any level of pain or trauma, part of our healing journey is being open about it.” She added that by sharing her story, she hopes to encourage others to seek help and not assume that appearances reflect inner well-being.
As Meghan and Harry continue their efforts to create a safer digital landscape, their focus remains on protecting the next generation—including their own children, Archie and Lilibet—from the potential dangers of the online world.