I spent the weekend in a small town in Alberta and talked to lots of people there who are concerned about bullying and cyberbullying that is occuring in their town and in other places of the world. The bullying and hating is not restricted to big cities, it can happen in a population of 7000. As a matter of fact, wherever people are in close proximity.
So what makes someone want to text another person and threaten their life. “You better watch where your going” “Come down to the park so that we can k*ll you” “We’re coming after you”
What kind of thrill do people get out of saying those kind of words? Of course, it is behind an anonymous mask.
I can say that the person that the above messages were sent to is very young. And probably very afraid.
They were sent from a blocked number. The police say without a number, they can’t help. Of course, you can get try to get the number if you get a lawyer and then get legal papers to get the telecommunications carrier can dig up the number. This would take money and lots of time. By this time, the emotional damage is done.
Why is it so hard to come up with solutions to these type of problems? Hopefully we won’t lose any more young people while we wait.
School is starting soon. There are many anxious youths out there not looking forward to those first weeks of school. Hopefully this school year will be one where Kindness and Respect is a focus.
We also have to remember that hurtful messages can also come from adults and that our adults are often looked up to as mentors.
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Carol Todd's Snowflakes 
This is only different from when I grew up by the technology now used to get these hateful messages across. In my school days there were also threats…to a person’s face, through word of mouth, over the telephone, or a nasty letter. The difference was how things were handled. Usually they fought it out, and I’m not saying words didn’t hurt, however, suicide wasn’t really associated with this torment. So what has changed? My opinion only, after all the observations and reading I’ve done, suicide appears to be a widely accepted method of NOT dealing with the pain, humiliation, threats, etc. It is highly visible to the public through the media outlets, and this can help or hinder the efforts to thwart off this method of practice. We also must be careful what meds are given to our children, as sometimes they deepen the depression more so. Every person is different though, so there are never easy answers, however, I truly believe self-esteem, acceptance, and love must be nurtured in all people who suffer from the wrath of others. If they have a strong support system from family foremost, then friends and community…I think we would see a turnaround in this tragic behavior. Ah…in a PERFECT WORLD. NOT!
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There are hate mail laws. how are people being protected. Rules must be enforced. Most kids parents are clueless to their kids whereabouts and their doings plus kids are more computer savvy. That’s why kids need to speak up! 🙂
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It’s why parents have to step up you mean! Being clueless is a lame excuse – unless they are living in caves they have to know better. They just don’t want to know or don’t have the time & patience to get to know. Most parents asking for help sit back whilst their kids are active on sites like Ask.fm? It’s deplorable.
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It’s because there is no accountability. Kids are brave when they know there will be no consequences. This is why laws need to change. We need new legislation for this new technological wirkd we live in. Keep pushing for changes it’s the only way! Thank you Carol for being our leader and for pushing this very serious issue. Xoxo hugz
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No accountability? You are dead right. New laws? Sure i agree but heres a thought?…….Why don’t the damn parents step up & take responsibility for their child’s actions & deal with the child according? No that’s too difficult – best to put head in sand & buy their child’s affections with the new iPhone 5. There lies the real problem.
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Just want to point out that not all of us that wear the mask of anonymous are doing evil
The majority of us use the ‘Guy Fawkes Mask’ for protection in our silent revolution against corruption in government and big corporations and injustices online and offline, It is mostly the punk losers in the world that should have been drowned at birth that use it for evil purposes
Hugz 2U
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*Punk losers in the world which should have been drowned at birth*
Seriously dude? What is it with the anti-bullying brigade & this type of hostility? Is this yet another example of a ‘Random Act of Kindness?’
Instant forgiveness & understanding for some but complete loathing & hatred for others? I’m pretty sure there are no answers in this kind of thinking.
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