Q: Some people at my school have begun to laugh at me and belittle me in person but even worse online. There is nowhere I can escape it. I need advice please!
A: Whether you are reading or hearing hurtful words, it is not a good feeling. It is also embarrassing to have posts written about you online. Lots of other people can see them and you may feel ashamed.
Unfortunately, some people feel that it is okay to speak ill of someone just because they feel like it.
I can remember when I went through times like these- it felt like the pain and frustration was going to last the rest of my life, but it won’t. It is not always easy to let go of the pain when someone is belittling you, but allow yourself to feel the upset and then choose to focus on who you know you are, that you are a great person.
Don’t allow other people to define who you are. You define who you are. Choose to hang around people who encourage and uplift you- people who remind you of who you are when you forget.
The Internet has so many good things to offer, but it can also bring many ‘not so nice’ situations. For example: Facebook is a wonderful tool to connect and stay in touch with friends and family, but it can also be a way to broadcast belittling and disrespectful thoughts.
Below are some terrific suggestions if you are being bullied on the Internet (cyberbullying). This information has been copied from http://www.bewebaware.ca/english/cyberbullying.html
· Guard your contact information. Don't give people you don't know your cell phone number, instant messaging name or e-mail address.
· If you are being harassed online, take the following actions immediately:
Tell an adult you trust - a teacher, parent, older sibling or grandparent.
· If you are being harassed, leave the area or stop the activity (i.e. chat room, news group, online gaming area, instant messaging, etc.).
· If you are being bullied through e-mail or instant messaging, block the sender's messages. Never reply to harassing messages.
· Save any harassing messages [copy and paste them in a separate file] and forward them to your [Internet Email Provider (i.e. Sympatico, Rogers, Gmail etc.).] Most [email] providers have appropriate use policies that restrict users from harassing others over the Internet - and that includes kids!
· If the bullying include [threats of any kind], tell the police.
Choose to take a stand against cyberbullying with your peers. Speak out whenever you see someone online being mean or disrespectful to another person. Your peers may respond more positively to your criticism of their actions more than they would from adults.
It can be hard when you feel like you are all alone in a situation, but know that you are not alone.
There are many people that are going through a similar circumstance. When you feel as though it is becoming too much make sure you tell someone what is happening, and keep telling until you find someone who will take you seriously and help.
For more information about Cyberbullying - how to stop it and how to be aware of it - check out:
www.stopcyberbullying.org Until next time,
This has been 'my voice' but I respect this is your life - this is 'your choice'
P.S. If you are faced with a circumstance where you need help, one of the best UPower choices you can make is to Reach Out to your parents/adults, teachers, principals, counsellors, friends or www.kidshelpphone.ca to get the support you deserve.
