Countess ‘ready to help children on social media’
The Countess of Wessex told Good Housekeeping it was important her children were equipped to ‘navigate’ social media.
THE COUNTESS of Wessex has told how her children are not yet gripped by social media, but she is ready to help them navigate the sometimes “unkind” virtual world.
Sophie, in an interview with Good Housekeeping magazine, spoke about the importance of being open with teenagers after carrying out a shift as a helpline volunteer at Childline earlier in the summer.
The countess is the mother of the Queen’s youngest grandchildren, 16-year-old Lady Louise Windsor, who has just received her GCSE results, and 12-year-old Viscount Severn.
Sophie, who is patron of Childline and the NSPCC, said: “At the moment, my children aren’t into social media, however, it is here to stay, so it’s important for them to understand it and for us to equip them with the tools to navigate it successfully.
“Again, I think openness is one way families can support their teenagers. If children feel they can discuss issues and worries with their parents, without fear of them, or their friends, being judged, this may give opportunity to help them with what can be a complex and very pressured area.
“It’s so important that young people have adults in their lives who support and affirm them.
“Particularly when the virtual world can be, at times, unkind.
“Young people need to know they can trust someone with a problem.”