Mental health matters and Meghan Markle is leading by example. The Duchess of Sussex recently shared her experiences with a group of teenage girls, discussing the reasons behind her decision to take a break from social media.

On October 2, a group of young girls at Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara got an unforgettable visitor—Meghan Markle. The Duchess of Sussex surprised the girls by joining them for a screen-free afternoon of participating in different activities.

Meghan Markle, visits Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara on October 2, 2024, in Santa Barbara, California. | Source: Getty Images

They played games, made friendship bracelets, did coloring, and had candid conversations about the impact of social media. Meghan was there to support the launch of a new digital wellness initiative called Social Media U. It is a program designed to help young people navigate the complexities of online life.

The program is a collaboration between Girls Inc., a national mentorship and leadership organization, and #HalfTheStory, a nonprofit focused on promoting healthier relationships with technology.

Meghan Markle, visits Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara on October 2, 2024, in Santa Barbara, California. | Source: Getty Images

This partnership is set to expand nationwide, bringing critical conversations about responsible tech use to students across the country. During her visit, Meghan didn’t shy away from tough topics.

As Larissa May, founder of #HalfTheStory, explained to Vanity Fair, the Duchess of Sussex opened up about her own experiences with online bullying in a session with the girls. “We did an activity where we talked through a bunch of scenarios,” Larissa shared, and “Meghan talked about being one of the most bullied people in the world.”

Larissa May, Meghan Markle, and Dr. Stephanie J. Hull seen at Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara on October 2, 2024, in Santa Barbara, California. | Source: Getty Images

The session also had the girls actively engage with the topic. “We had girls wave these little emoji signs and talk about how each one of these scenarios would have impacted them emotionally,” Larissa added.

Meghan’s candid revelations have since sparked a wave of reactions from fans. Messages of empathy poured in, with one person writing,“Sending hugs to Meghan. Yes, she’s put up with too much abuse. I do not have time to dislike anyone.”

A fan comment dated October 12, 2024 | Source: Facebook/peoplemag

The conversation didn’t stop there. Defenders of Meghan also voiced their frustrations. One commenter stated, “This is exactly why she has to make this speech, because of these nasty comments. No matter what she does, y’all are quick to judge her. Y’all don’t know her, just let her live[sic].”

Some responses were more measured. One individual admitted, “I’m not a big fan of hers personally,” but added that “the internet has not been her friend.” The person acknowledged that while Meghan “probably made mistakes in her life,” most people have the advantage of privacy, unlike her.

Meghan Markle attends the 2024 Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala on October 5, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

The social media user further noted that Meghan’s personal experiences with bullying, could “help a lot of these young girls in learning how to deal with it.” Given the rise in youth suicides due to online bullying, the person concluded, “If she can help change their story, then good on her.”

Despite the support, not everyone saw eye to eye. One person even compared Meghan’s experience to that of Queen Camilla, saying, “I think Camilla receives a lot more criticism, yet she quietly endures it and continues to do her duty, representing the Crown.”

Meghan Markle during a forum about digital responsibility at EAN University on August 15, 2024, in Bogota, Colombia. | Source: Getty Images

As Meghan’s recent revelation about her struggles with online bullying continues to spark reactions, her commitment to supporting young girls remains steadfast.

Financial backing for this new initiative comes from a range of high-profile supporters. This includes Meghan and Prince Harry’s Archewell Foundation, the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation, and Melinda French Gates’s Pivotal Ventures.

Dr. Stephanie J. Hull, Larissa May, Meghan Markle, and a group of tweens seen at Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara on October 2, 2024, in Santa Barbara, California. | Source: Getty Images

For the past four years, Meghan and Prince Harry have been channeling their personal experiences with online harassment and misinformation into meaningful action.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during an interview with “CBS News” posted on August 1, 2024 | Source: YouTube/@CBSSundayMorning

In an August interview with “CBS News,” the couple discussed the dangers of social media and their efforts to support families affected by online harm. “Our kids are young. They’re three and five. They’re amazing,” Markle said.

“All you want to do as parents is protect them. And so, as we can see what’s happening in the online space, we know that there’s a lot of work to be done there, and we’re just happy to be able to be a part of change for good,” she added.

In addition to their advocacy, the couple has launched, The Parents Network through the Archewell Foundation, a program designed to help parents whose children have been impacted by the harmful effects of the digital world.

In March 2024, Meghan Markle spoke at the SXSW Conference in Austin, Texas, about the height of the online abuse she faced during a vulnerable period. She revealed that the worst of the harassment occurred while she was pregnant with her son, Prince Archie, and daughter, Princess Lilibet, and when they were infants.

Meghan Markle speaks onstage during the 2024 SXSW Conference and Festival at Austin Convention Center on March 8, 2024, in Austin, Texas. | Source: Getty Images

During the “Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives” panel, Meghan reflected on the toll social media took on her well-being. She explained that she now keeps her distance from it for her mental health but acknowledged that “the bulk of the bullying and abuse” happened when she was pregnant and when her kids were newborns.