By Cheryl Mattox Berry
My heart goes out to the family of a 12-year-old Florida girl who took her life last week because of cyberbullying. Why does this keep happening over and over?
The Associated Press estimates there have been about a dozen suicides in the USA over the last three years that can be traced to cyberbullying, though experts say the actual number of deaths might be double that figure.
The saddest part of this story is that Rebecca Ann Sedwick of Lakeland didn’t tell her mother about the hateful online messages from 15 girls, who are under investigation for alleged cyber stalking.
Last year, Rebecca’s mother began home schooling her after she reported being pushed around at school. Rebecca transferred to a new middle school this year and appeared happy. If she had spoken up about what was happening, perhaps she’d still be alive today.
When you feel threatened – online or in person – tell someone. Tell everyone. And tell the bullies that their behavior is illegal, and someone is coming after them. That should get their attention.
Don’t try to handle this problem by yourself. You need grownups to intervene. They can rectify the situation by contacting police, school officials and parents of the bully.
Other advice: Unplug from social media for a while. Bullies can’t say mean things if you’re not online. If you stay online, you’re a target. Take away the bully’s stage, and you take away her power.
Now, engage in activities that lift your spirits. Join a club at school or youth group at church or synagogue. You’ll make new friends who are understanding, positive and supportive.
If you’re still feeling down about all the junk that has been heaped on you, tell your mother or a trusted adult that you need to see a counselor. Bullying can break the spirit, but it can be repaired. Don’t give up on you.