#trollfreezone

Compelled while doing internet research for the latest portraits of the the 44th POTUS and his FLOTUS and discovering disturbing commentary. It has become appallingly clear that MAGA = maggots and the epitome of John 10:10. #TrollFreeZone

Always a good reminder. #trollfreezone

Alongside the dramatic rise in social media use in our day-to-day lives, there has also been a dramatic rise in cyber-bullying, which has unfortunately become inescapable for many children and teenagers in today’s society. They are no longer safe from bullies in their own homes, which is a scary and alarming reality for these children, teenagers and parents, across the world. “The charity ChildLine says it has seen a large increase in the number of children contacting it with concerns about online bullying. It saw 4,507 cases of cyber bullying in 2012 to 2013, up from 2,410 in 2011 to 2012.” (BBC News, 2014) The charity has also seen a rise in concerns for children and teens in regards to self-harming, as depression and difficult family relationships were also the top reasons for them seeking help. This is an alarming matter, and a huge wake-up call for the greater community. "Far too many of the nation's children seem to be struggling and in despair. It's so important that we support children to talk about issues and look out for signs that they're not able to cope. No matter how hard-pressed we are, we must commit to giving children time and space to talk about their lives." (BBC News, 2014) Peter Wanless, the Chief Executive of the NSPCC charity, which runs ChildLine, said: "The issues facing children today are very different from those that faced us as children. Stranger danger, for example, rarely comes up in contacts to ChildLine but depression, self-harm, online bullying and even suicide contacts are increasing exponentially. If we are to help young people we need to listen to what they are telling us about the issues they are facing.” (BBC News, 2014) The media has followed and covered a large number of stories on cyber bullying and the long last effects that it has had on individuals. They have covered horror stories about many individuals who have suffered at the hands of faceless cyber bullies, including Australian celebrity Charlotte’s Dawson, who ended her own life after a long battle with depression and dealing with extensive cyber bullying for many years. The Megan Meier case, the Jessica Logan case, and the Amanda Todd case, and unfortunately these cases are only the beginning. At this stage, I do not believe there is a solid solution on how to stop people from being bullied online, and I doubt very much that there will be one. The same way as it is almost impossible to stop children from being bullied in the playground, and adults from being bullied in the workplace. Though, implementation of laws around bullying in all forms is going to be a great step in the right direction, and social media accounts need to become more accountable for their users and their actions. References: BBC News, (2014). Cyberbullying 'on rise' - ChildLine. [Online] Available at: http://www.bbc.com/news/education-25639839 BBC Newsbeat, (2015). Cyberbullying: How to keep safe online and deal with it. [Online] Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/25648391