As the parent of a tween girl, I am learning the challenges my wife and I faced as tweens and teens are no comparison to those our daughter may face. I can only imagine if some of the embarrassing and regretful things that I did as a teenager were exposed to the world, like that of many kids today.
Social Media + Bullying Can Equal Tragedy
When I messed up as a kid, the negative effects were short lived. Or at least localized. Today, our kid’s mistakes may end up on national TV and around the world, by way of Facebook, Twitter, and/or YouTube. It can be a very dangerous combination that has way too many times ended tragic for many kids.
This Should Not Have Ended This Way
The YouTube video below tells the story of Amanda Todd’s bullying experience, and multiple suicide attempts. It was recorded and told by her, in her own (written) words. I do not know the relationship between Amanda and her parents, but Amanda clearly felt she had nobody and no options. Maybe more parental involvement could have prevented her suicide.
Parents Have to Be Part of The Anti-Bully Fight
It is crucial for parents to be involved in our children’s lives today, and to create a culture of open and honest communication. We have to talk to them, listen to them, teach them, and be there for them. There are many tools and resources today to help, even music videos.
Do Your Part During National Bullying Prevention Month
Stories like Amanda’s seem to be reoccurring too often today, so much so that October has been named National Bullying Prevention Month. I encourage everyone to become aware of the impact bullying is having on our youth today, and take some action to fight it. Share this story, the music video, #MikeBully (Stand Up For Our Future), and any other resources you have come across to prevent this from happening to any more children.
BMWK: How can what happened to Amanda be prevented? Have you ever caught your kids using social media inappropriately? What did you do? Please share in the comment section below.
Angry Mom says
Seeing this just breaks my heart… How can we as human beings be so cruel, thus teaching our children to be the same way? When does it stop, and how will it stop? I just cannot imagine if this were my daughter… I WILL NOT allow my kids to be bullies or be bullied.
Ronnie Tyler says
Great point …..we have to protect our kids from bullies and we have to teach them not to be bullies! It does break my heart too and I pray for her family. I am going to use this as a teachable moment for my daughter.
Filmmaker - Tim Alexander says
Yes this is CHILLING… The girl in the video did recently killed herself, it was only a few days ago. She did it, she feel to the pressure. I don’t even know what to say. It is just wrong. Yeah, we have to fix this.
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