Prince William has a new project up his sleeve – and it's been inspired by his role as a parent. The royal will convene a new taskforce to support victims and their families affected by cyberbullying.
"This is an issue that The Duke feels strongly about," a spokesperson for William wrote in a statement released by Kensington Palace.
"He knows that social media and other technologies are creating significant positive opportunities for millions of young people. But as a parent, he knows that many people worry about how to protect their children from the new avenues for bullying that technology is creating."
Prince William is convening a new taskforce to support victims of cyberbullying
The Royal Foundation Taskforce on the Prevention of Cyberbullying – as it will be called – will bring together industry partners and a group of advisors from the sector. Its aims will be to develop an industry-wide response to the online bullying of young people, with a focus on 12-14 year olds.
William, who is a doting dad to Prince George and Princess Charlotte, has asked tech entrepreneur Brent Hoberman CBE to chair the group. It will be supported by The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
"As a parent, he knows that many people worry about how to protect their children," said a source
A spokesperson said: "He hopes the taskforce can help the industry share the best practice that is emerging across the sector and put in place new standards so that the internet remains something young people and their parents can embrace with confidence."
Full membership of the taskforce will be announced soon, but will include leading figures from technology companies and internet service providers. The taskforce will also be supported by a panel of young people aged 11-15, to ensure it remains engaged in current online trends.
Both Kate and William are keen to promote the issue of mental health
Cyberbullying can have a detrimental effect on the mental health of children and young people. It comes as no surprise that the Prince has chosen to show his support for such victims, as his wife the Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton, is a keen champion of mental health.
Kate regularly carries out engagements and openly speaks about the delicate issue, and has said that more needs to be done to lift the stigma associated with mental health.