The Warden's Office

Guys, I’m not kidding.

Suicide-baiting, cyberharassmemt, cyberstalking, death/rape threats, and hate speech are illegal in all 50 states as well as Australia and the UK.

Some places include school suspension or expels. Some even include jail time for multiple years.

And yes, they can find someone by username or IP alone.

Also, yes. There are methods of catching someone’s IP. Even under a VPN.

So.

Next time you get hit with anon hate?

Casually remind them you can very easily take this to the next level. And they can earn jail time while you lay back in your chair, having saved yourself and everyone else from a violent criminal.

Your online actions have real life consequences.

Make sure they learn that.

(Just in case there’s a “the police wouldn’t do that” - Yes. They absolutely would.

Or a “I can handle it.” No. That person will continue to harass others as well. And one of them may not be as strong as you. So do it for them and everyone else.

Or a “It’s not that severe.” Yes. It is. People have died because of this. It really is that severe.)

“They’re weird!/They’re not normal!”

That’s your opinion, not a fact. What you really mean is “They’re not like me”. They’re not hurting anyone by not being like you.

“They’re cringey!”

Again, it’s just your opinion, and they’re not hurting anyone. Cringe culture is pointless anyway.

“They’re annoying!”

Once again, just your opinion. If you think someone’s annoying, why not just stay away from them? No need to be rude.

“They’re autistic!”

Shame on you. Get out of my face.

“They’re fat!/They’re ugly!”

And you’re shallow. So what if you don’t like the way someone looks? It’s not your place to make them feel bad about it.

“They’re [any non-straight sexuality]!”

Get out of my sight. This is the 21st century.

“They’re trans!”

See above.

“They’re just seeking attention!”

You don’t know that for a fact. And even if they really are seeking attention, you don’t have the right to shame them.

“It’s funny to pick on them!”

Shame on you if you think bullying is funny. Get a life.

“I was just joking around!”

That’s no excuse. There are other ways to have fun that don’t involve putting other people down.

“Words can’t actually hurt anyone!”

Wrong. Words do hurt, and sometimes they can hurt more than actual physical injury.

“I’m not a bully, they’re just too sensitive!”

Not everyone reacts the same way. If you weren’t so rude, there wouldn’t be anything for the victim to be “sensitive” about.

“I’m just speaking the truth!”

Honesty is great. But you can be honest and say what you think without being rude about it. There’s a fine line between ‘brutally honest’ and ‘downright rude’.

“I have freedom of speech!”

You do. But if you’re using your ‘freedom of speech’ to bully and shame others, then you’re abusing it.

“But-”

No.

I don’t care what ‘reason’ you pull out of your ass to try to justify bullying, it’s invalid. Bullying, whatever the reason is, is unnecessary, cruel, and totally pointless.

If you bully someone, you’re basically telling them:

“You don’t deserve to be happy”

“You’re inferior to me”

“Your feelings are a joke”

Is that really what you want to be telling people?