The Duke of Cambridge is lending his encouragement to another worthy cause as it was revealed this week that he will support a new initiative encouraging young people to rethink their online interactions.
The BBC have just launched their ‘Own It’ app which will recognise if a child is about to type something nasty or negative online to another person and remind them to rethink what they are about to send. The app has been designed and developed along with input and support from many of the organisations and individuals that make up Prince William’s Cyberbullying Taskforce.
This clever initiative also identifies language which suggests when a child is in danger subsequently offering advice and advising they speak with a trusted adult. As well as this vital support, the app also features a special keyboard allowing young people to record how they are feeling, offer support and give advice if their recordings raise any concerns.
Speaking of the app in a statement, The Duke of Cambridge said, “It is fantastic the BBC has launched an app which will provide support to young people as they navigate the online world. I am delighted to see this positive and practical outcome resulting from The Royal Foundation Taskforce on the Prevention of Cyberbullying.”
The Royal Foundation set up the Cyberbullying Taskforce as a force to try and tackle the issues of online bullying. Both The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have spoken of their fears of the effects that online bullying will have on their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – and their peers. This fear was a driving force behind the creation of the Taskforce.
The BBC have ensured that the Own It app also focuses on promoting a healthy amount of screen time.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge last visited the BBC Headquarters in London in November 2018 to see the work the broadcaster was doing as a key member of the Cyberbullying Taskforce. The couple met with parents and children who are having a key input to the latest BBC technology as well as appear in a campaign video for what to do when online bullying occurs entitled ‘Stop, Speak, Support’.