Meghan Markle warns how young people’s ‘Instagram-filtered’ lives can have a devastating effect on their mental health
MEGHAN Markle has warned unrealistic images filtered through social media sites like Instagram can have a devastating effect on young people.
The Duchess of Cambridge spoke out on the mental health danger to millennials during her royal tour of New Zealand with Prince Harry.
Mum-to-be Meghan said: "Young people find it so difficult.
"You see photos on social media and you don't know whether she's born with it or maybe it's a filter.
"Your judgement of your sense of self-worth becomes really skewed when it's all based on likes."
Prince Harry added: “Issues stemming from social media and gaming are a major problem for young people in the UK — and globally.
“Fingers are often pointed at the parents but that’s not always fair as they too need to be educated about these things.”
Harry also opened up about his own struggles with mental health, admitting that it took him a long time to confront his own inner turmoil after the death of his mother Princess Diana.
Harry said: "It took me about three or four years to start the journey and then after that you still have to find the right people to speak to.
“I think anyone who has overcome mental health problems often go out of their own way to help others.”
The royal couple spent 45 minutes at Wellington's beachside Maranui Cafe chatting with staff and volunteers from Live for Tomorrow, an online youth programme focused on reaching millennials
It was the latest stop on their 16-day tour which has also seen them travel to Australia, Fiji and Tonga.
Earlier today they were frightened by an actor dressed as an orc from The Lord Of The Rings on a visit to a creative arts studio.
And they showed they paternal instincts when they comforted a shy schoolboy who was overwhelmed by meeting them.
Harry bent down and gave Joe Young, five, a tummy tickle to cheer him up, and Meghan kneeled to touch his hand.
They also took a helicopter trip and enjoyed a rainy beach walk in Abel Tasman National Park at the tip of South Island.
Harry and Meghan are on day 14 of their royal tour which also took in Australia, Tonga and Fiji.
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