During a visit to Australia, the Meghan Markle spoke candidly about the toll social media has taken on her mental health.
Addressing a group of young people at a mental health initiative, she didn’t hold back about what she has experienced online over the past decade.
She described herself as having been “the most trolled person in the entire world,” linking her experience to a wider conversation about digital cruelty and mental wellbeing.
A Visit Focused on Youth Mental Health
The discussion took place during a joint visit with her husband, Prince Harry, at Batyr, an Australian youth mental health organisation.
The group works with students and young adults to encourage early support, reduce stigma, and promote open conversations about mental health.
Batyr’s work is largely centred on prevention—getting people to speak up before struggles escalate.
The setting gave Meghan a direct platform to connect her personal experiences with the pressures young people face online today.
“Ten Years of Being Bullied”
In her remarks, Meghan said she has faced sustained online harassment for years.
She claimed the abuse has been daily, stretching across nearly a decade, and described it as something that shaped her emotional resilience over time.
Her message wasn’t just about sharing pain—it was also about survival.
She emphasized that despite the negativity, she is still standing, urging young people to recognise their own strength in the face of digital hostility.
She also pointed to the role of social media platforms, describing them as systems that often reward outrage and cruelty because it drives engagement and clicks.
Prince Harry on Social Media Pressure and Therapy
Prince Harry added his own perspective, speaking about how online life contributes to loneliness and mental strain.
He reflected on his personal journey with therapy, describing how long he delayed seeking help until reaching a breaking point.
He also referenced Australia’s decision to restrict social media access for children under 16, calling it a strong leadership move—even while acknowledging debates around such policies.
A Broader Conversation About Digital Harassment
The Sussexes’ comments come amid ongoing global debates about online safety, particularly for public figures and teenagers.
Mental health advocates have increasingly warned that constant exposure to online criticism can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout.
In Meghan’s case, her experience is often discussed alongside broader scrutiny faced by members of the British royal family, especially since stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
The couple has since focused heavily on mental health advocacy through public speaking, interviews, and charitable work.
Impact and Consequences
Meghan’s remarks have reignited discussion about online trolling and the responsibilities of social media platforms.
Supporters argue her openness helps normalize conversations around mental health, especially for younger audiences.
Critics, however, often question the framing of her experiences, arguing that public figures inherently face scrutiny.
Regardless, her statements keep attention on the emotional toll of sustained online abuse.
For Prince Harry, the conversation reinforces his long-standing advocacy for mental health awareness, particularly around therapy and early intervention.
What’s Next?
The couple is expected to continue their public advocacy work through various initiatives tied to mental health and digital wellbeing.
Their foundation activities and speaking engagements are likely to keep focusing on youth education, online safety, and emotional resilience.
On a broader scale, governments and tech companies are still exploring stronger regulations around harmful content and child protection online, meaning this conversation is far from over.
Summary
Meghan Markle used a public appearance in Australia to speak about years of intense online harassment, framing it as part of a wider issue affecting mental health worldwide.
Alongside Prince Harry, she highlighted the emotional cost of social media culture and urged stronger awareness and resilience.
Their remarks add to an ongoing global debate about trolling, digital responsibility, and how societies protect vulnerable users online.
Bulleted Takeaways
- Meghan Markle described herself as heavily targeted by online trolling for nearly 10 years
- She spoke during a visit to Batyr, a youth mental health organisation in Australia
- Prince Harry discussed therapy, loneliness, and social media’s impact on mental health
- The couple praised Australia’s under-16 social media restrictions
- Their comments reignite debate on online harassment and platform responsibility
- Meghan and Harry continue to focus on mental health advocacy through public work
- The discussion highlights growing global concern about digital wellbeing and youth safety
