redemption

in light of recent events, i’ve decided to make a post about something that i feel is not talked about enough. I have experienced this not only recently, but when I was younger and the internet was still a new concept:

cyber bullying.

by definition, cyber bullying is the act of bullying someone through electronic technology such as phones, laptops and tablets. it can occur through things such as texting, emails, phone calls and the big one in today’s social world is the infamous side social media; tumblr, twitter, facebook, myspace and so on. For some reason, kids feel empowered to send messages, anonymous or not, through the web to people they dont like or just plain do not know. it can also occur in the form of posting videos, fake pictures, and making fake accounts. sure, one can say it’s all in good fun, but unless the person is okay with these actions, it is considered to be cyber bullying and harassment. 

cyber bullying is a bit different in most cases. kids whom are cyber bullied are typically bulled outside of the screen. additionally, kids have a harder time escaping this routine. 

cyber bullying can occur 24/7. whether or not the kid is alone, or with family and friends, it doesn’t matter. messages and pictures can be posted and distributed to a large audience, which have been known to jump onto the train of mocking the person without even realizing how bad it hurts the victim.

additionally, these ‘innocent’ acts can have a negative impact on daily routines. according to stopbullying.gov, kids whom are cyber bullied are more likely to:

Use alcohol and drugs

Skip school

Experience in-person bullying

Be unwilling to attend school

Receive poor grades

Have lower self-esteem

Have more health problems 

this is a small list. among these, kids can also develop other issues, such as anorexia & bulimia, self-harm, and other serious issues that, once more, are not talked about and taken seriously enough. which, in turn, make victims of these attacks scared to talk about their experiences online and in person in fear of being mocked. it makes them feel alone but believe me when i say that you are not alone. i am here for you. others will be here for you. 

this is a fight. & yes, it’s scary. it’s extremely scary with today’s technology, but there are things YOU can do, as the victim or a friend of the victim, to call out these online monsters. 

if you or someone you know have experienced cyber bullying or are currently experiencing this, here are some ways to help:

1) DO NOT respond or forward the messages. in fact, just ignore them to the best of your ability and screenshot it. record the dates and times of the attacks and them BLOCK them. do not leave them free to do it again. you are a good, great person and do not need anything negative in your life.

2) REPORT the attack to the websites providers. cyber bullying often violates the terms and use of conditions established by the company. usually, they will take action against the user for violating their policy. do not feel bad for doing this; if they do it to you, they will do it to someone else.

3) REPORT the attack to your local law enforcement offices. cyber bullying is considered a crime when it includes threats of violence, child pornography, taking unknown photos in places where people feel safe, and involving in stalking hate. In some states, there are other forms of cyber bullying that are considered criminal and you should always consult your states laws to find out what you can do to better your internet world. do not let it get to the point where you are physically scared to leave the safety of your home.

and finally,

4) if you are in school, report them to your schools guidance counselor or someone you trust; a teacher, the principal, the gym teacher, be it whoever. chances are the person is being bullied out of the screen. the school can then use this information to help both inform and prevent these attacks happening to young students. students help students and I do not want to see someone as wonderful and as bright as you all leave this world too soon.

now, ive been down this road before and I know, I know that law enforcement will probably not do anything, or say they can’t do anything, but by doing this you have opened the door to other victims. i did this in seventh grade and a lot of girls thanked me for telling someone important about what happened to me because it made them want to open up as well and it started a small movement of being more aware of the well being of students in the school. 

do not keep this inside of you. tell someone you trust. tell a friend or parent. 

your words can and will hurt someone just as much as if you said it to their face. i highly encourage anyone who notices these acts to step out and be a voice to the weak. support them. report the attacks regardless or not if it’s anonymous. 

i highly encourage anyone to speak up for the victims or for themselves and make a change. the internet is supposed to be a fun place, but when there’s internet trolls around every corner it can go from fun to scary, and suddenly youre scared to leave your house. 

lastly, spread peace and love throughout the world you live in. if you see it, report it and counteract this with a compliment as it may make the person feel a bit more at ease and feel as if someone is on their side.

submitted by anonymous.