
Watch Kate discuss social media with young students: ‘It can get so addictive’
By: Meaghan Wray
The Duchess of Cambridge may not have her own social media accounts, but the passionate royal is keen to make sure children are using the powerful platforms properly. One of the royal mom’s biggest passions is youth empowerment, which is why she paid a visit to London’s Reach Academy on Wednesday (Jan. 10) to discuss the effects of social media with schoolchildren.
Sitting at a roundtable, surrounded by students and their professors, the Duchess expressed her concerns, “It can get so addictive, as well. It becomes part of your lifestyle, doesn’t it?”
She continued: “It’s hard to break away from that, but having support in learning good ways of using social media – because it’s creating so many contacts – [and] it’s also being able to monitor your use of it.”
The pregnant royal dressed beautifully for the occasion – her first appearance of the year, just a day after her birthday – in a double-breasted navy Hobbs coat and matching suede Jimmy Choo shoes. Kate happily greeted students and faculty alike while heading into the school, which works closely with a children’s mental health charity.
Mental health advocacy is close to Kate’s heart, and she works with her husband Prince William and brother-in-law Prince Harry to make significant changes in how the world approaches these issues. The royal trio – soon to be joined by Harry’s fiancé, Meghan Markle – began a charitable health organization called Heads Together.
The organization has seen celebrity support from notable names like Lady Gaga, and aims to remove the stigma that often accompanies speaking about emotional struggles. Most recently, the three came together for their campaign #oktosay to encourage young people to speak out about any problems they’re facing. The year is looking to be one full of positivity and advocacy for this expectant royal!