Supporting Anti-Bullying Week: A Royal Initiative

Let’s give it up for Prince William and Kate Middleton, who seem to do everything with grace and purpose! Recently, they’ve been stepping up to support Anti-Bullying Week, taking place from November 12 to November 16 in the UK. The power couple paid a visit to the BBC in London on November 15 to witness the network's efforts as part of the Taskforce on the Prevention of Cyberbullying. It was a heartwarming moment, showing their dedication to such an important cause.

Engaging with the “Stop, Speak, Support” Campaign

During their visit, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge connected with the individuals behind the impactful campaign video titled “Stop, Speak, Support.” This campaign provides a set of guidelines on how to act when witnessing online bullying. Initially developed by a panel on the Taskforce, it’s now being managed by the Anti-Bullying Alliance. The royals were deeply engaged with the creators and performers, asking questions and offering support for their efforts.

To mark #AntiBullyingWeek, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are visiting the @BBC to view the work the broadcaster is doing as a key member of The Duke’s Taskforce on the Prevention of Cyberbullying. pic.twitter.com/rkuaK58fwh
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— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) November 15, 2018

Exploring the Kids Online Wellbeing App

The royal couple also took time to meet with parents and children who are involved in developing the “Kids Online Wellbeing App,” the latest tech innovation by the BBC. This app aims to enhance children's digital safety and promote healthy online interactions. During their conversation, Prince William expressed his concerns regarding the responsibilities that tech companies must embrace, stating his worry that “technology companies still have a great deal to learn about the responsibilities that come with their significant power.”

William's Speech: Balancing Positivity with Responsibility

Prince William, now 36, delivered a powerful speech on the issue of cyberbullying. He began by acknowledging the many benefits social media platforms bring to our lives, saying, “I say this not in anger. Again, I believe our tech leaders are people of integrity who are bringing many benefits to our lives and societies.” But he didn’t stop there. William went on to emphasize the pressing need for tech leaders to address the challenges they face, including fake news, extremism, polarization, hate speech, trolling, mental health issues, privacy concerns, and, of course, bullying.

prince-william-kate-middleton-bbc-visit — Getty Images

“I am very concerned though that on every challenge they face — fake news, extremism, polarization, hate speech, trolling, mental health, privacy, and bullying — our tech leaders seem to be on the back foot. Their self-image is so grounded in their positive power for good that they seem unable to engage in constructive discussion about the social problems they are creating,” William explained.

A Legacy of Fighting Cyberbullying

William and Kate have consistently shown interest in combating cyberbullying, both in the past and in the present. William's passion for ending cyberbullying led to the launch of the Taskforce in 2016. “I convened the Taskforce because I was a new parent,” he revealed. “And I saw that my friends and peers were seriously worried about the risks of the very powerful tools we were putting in our children’s hands.”