Prince Harry and Meghan Markle travelled to New York last week to carry out a number of engagements. Among their appearances, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the Project Healthy Minds Gala, where they received an award for their humanitarian work.
Following their outings in the city, the pair shared a new message on their Archewell website about protecting girls on digital platforms. The statement was issued to coincide with International Day of the Girl, which fell on Saturday, October 11, and began: “On this International Day of the Girl, The Archewell Foundation is proud to see #HalfTheStory continue to expand this work.
“Over the summer, #HalfTheStory, launched the New York State x #HalfTheStory Teen Tech Council, ensuring youth voices are represented in shaping what healthy educational environments look like in a digital age.”
The couple have become vocal advocates for online safety and the dangers that social media pose to children. Their statement continued: “As New York moves toward phone-free schools statewide, the Teen Tech Council brings students directly into dialogue with leaders and policymakers to share their perspectives on how to best support mental health, connection, and learning in schools with limited phone use.
“Over time, the Council will expand to include students from across New York, amplifying the diverse, young voices, including those of young girls, in this important conversation.
“The Teen Tech Council grew out of #HalfTheStory’s Digital Civic Academy, a weeklong leadership program that equips nearly 60 young people each year with the skills to engage in local and global advocacy around digital wellbeing.”
They concluded their message by saying: “The Archewell Foundation uplifts organizations like #HalfTheStory, today and every day, that empower young people and young girls to shape their digital futures and to ensure that every child has the tools, confidence, and support to thrive both online and offline.”