Prince William.Photo: Kensington Palace
Prince Williamis standing up to social media bullying.
The boycott, which will run until Monday, May 3, hopes to encourage social media companies to take stronger action against racist and sexist abuse online.
Signing his name “W,” William, who is head of English soccer’s governing body, The Football Association, tweeted Friday: “As President of the FA I join the entire football community in the social media boycott this weekend.”
The soccer-led campaign has received widespread support among England’s leading players including Raheem Stirling of Manchester City, who posted that he was joining the campaign “in response to sustained and ongoing online abuse.” Stirling himself has been the victim of online racism in the past.
“There is no place in our society for any kind of abuse, online or not, and for too long it’s been easy for a small few to post hate from behind their screens,” Hamilton posted on Instagram, Friday.
“While a boycott might not solve this issue overnight, we have to call for change when needed, even when it seems like an almost impossible task.”
Prince William.Kensington Palace
While William,Kate Middleton, and most other members of the royal family haveused social mediaextensively toconnect with the publicthroughout thecoronaviruspandemic, the issue of online abuse is something they are keenly aware of.
“Racist abuse — whether on the pitch, in the stands, or on social media — is despicable and it must stop now,” William said in an Instagram post.
“We all have a responsibility to create an environment where such abuse is not tolerated, and those who choose to spread hate and division are held accountable for their actions. That responsibility extends to the platforms where so much of this activity now takes place,” he continued.
Kate Middleton and Prince William talk to trainee nurses.Kensington Palace
“I commend all those players, supporters, clubs and organisations who continue to call out and condemn this abuse in the strongest terms. W”
In November 2017, William also spoke out about the widerpressures of social mediaon children and young adults.
Speaking at a circus-themed gala celebrating the partnership between medical charityThe Children’s Trustand one of his key charities,Skillforce, the Duke described social media as giving kids a sense “ofbeing ‘on call’ 24/7”
“The pressure on young people these days is considerable — almost certainly more than even for my generation not so long ago,” William added. “The subsequent strains this can have on relationships, home life and, ultimately, a child’s sense of their own self-worth. It can all take its toll.”
Prince HarryandMeghan Marklehave also been outspoken critics of negative social media.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.CBS/Youtube
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His statement continued: “It is not right that a few months into a relationship with him that Ms. Markle should be subjected to such a storm. He knows commentators will say this is ‘the price she has to pay’ and that ‘this is all part of the game.’ He strongly disagrees. This is not a game — it is her life and his.”
source: people.com
