The Duchess of Sussex has delivered a powerful and personal account of her experiences with online harassment, revealing to a group of young advocates in Melbourne that she has faced relentless bullying on social media for an entire decade. Speaking candidly, Meghan described herself as "the most trolled person in the entire world," highlighting the profound impact of digital abuse.
A Decade of Daily Attacks
During a group discussion at Swinburne University of Technology, organised with mental health organisation Batyr, the Duchess provided stark details about her ordeal. "For now, 10 years, every day for 10 years, I have been bullied and attacked," she told the classroom of young people. Her remarks underscored the persistent nature of online toxicity, which she said social media companies are "not incentivised to stop."
"I can speak to that really personally, which is why I like to listen, because it rings true for me in a very real way," Meghan added, connecting her own struggles with the broader issues faced by youth today.
Calling for Strength Against Cruelty
The Duchess urged resilience in the face of what she termed a "billion-dollar industry" built on cruelty for clicks. "So you have to be stronger than that," she advised, emphasising that while the platform dynamics may not change, individuals can cultivate inner fortitude. Her message was one of survival and empowerment, noting simply, "Now, I'm still here."
Prince Harry Praises Australia's Social Media Ban
Alongside Meghan, Prince Harry addressed the gathering, commending Australia's pioneering ban on social media use for under-16s. He described the move as "epic" from a "responsibility and leadership standpoint." Harry acknowledged Australia as the first country to implement such a restriction, sparking a global conversation.
"All I will say is from a responsibility and leadership standpoint – epic," the Duke stated, while also critiquing the necessity of bans. "It should have never got to a ban," he argued, pointing to the need for corporate accountability instead.
Advocating for Corporate Accountability
Harry elaborated on the limitations of bans, stressing that social media companies must be held responsible for user safety. "There's no way that young people should be punished by being banned from something that should be safe to use, no matter what," he asserted. This aligns with the couple's long-standing advocacy against the harms of digital platforms, focusing on systemic change rather than punitive measures.
Cultural Engagement in Melbourne
Earlier on Thursday, the Duke and Duchess participated in Melbourne's Scar Tree Walk, an initiative that bridges traditional Aboriginal cultures with contemporary narratives of the Kulin nation. Their stroll along the Yarra River, a popular route for joggers and cyclists, drew surprised glances from locals, adding a light-hearted moment to their visit focused on serious social issues.
The event at Swinburne University marks the third day of the royal couple's Australian tour, which continues to spotlight mental health and digital wellbeing. Their combined efforts aim to foster dialogue and action against online abuse, blending personal testimony with policy discussion.
