Meghan Markle Addresses 'Cruelty for Clicks' in Melbourne as Sussexes Support Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban

During her 2026 Australia tour, Meghan Markle discusses the "cruelty" of the social media industry and supports Australia’s under-16 ban on digital platforms.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 16, 2026, 8:51 AM EDT

Source: BBC News

The Psychological Toll of Global Trolling Speaking to students and mental health advocates at Melbourne’s Swinburne University of Technology, Meghan Markle shared a deeply personal account of her experience with digital harassment. The Duchess asserted that for a decade, she was the primary target of global online trolling, characterizing the experience as "bullying" that occurred every single day. She framed her struggle not as an isolated incident, but as a byproduct of a billion-dollar industry that she claims is "anchored and predicated on cruelty to get clicks." Her remarks underscored a central theme of the Sussexes' public advocacy: the urgent need for a shift in how digital platforms are moderated and consumed.

Support for Australia’s Legislative Restrictions The visit coincided with significant policy shifts in Australia, which recently implemented a ban on social media for children under the age of 16. Prince Harry voiced strong support for the measure, calling the move "epic" from a standpoint of global responsibility. While the Duke noted that such a ban should ideally never have been necessary, he placed the burden of accountability squarely on tech giants. He argued that young people should not be "punished" by a loss of access, but rather protected by companies that have a moral and ethical obligation to ensure their platforms are safe for all users.

A Balance of Personal Reflection and Public Advocacy Beyond the digital sphere, Prince Harry used his appearance at the InterEdge Summit to reflect on his own history of grief and public scrutiny. He spoke candidly about the disorientation of losing his mother, Princess Diana, while living in a "goldfish bowl" of constant surveillance. The Duke emphasized that ignoring grief does not make it disappear and that finding a sense of purpose is the only way to avoid being "broken" by the powerlessness often felt in the public eye. Although the event featured high-priced tickets, reports indicate the Prince did not receive a speaking fee for his keynote address.

Indigenous Cultural Heritage and Local Engagement The third day of the tour shifted focus toward Australia's traditional owners with a visit to the "Scar Tree Walk." Led by local Indigenous guides, the couple walked along the Birrarung (the Yarra River), learning about the historical fishing and hunting practices of the Aboriginal people. Tom...