As technology continues to advance, the issue of cyberbullying continues to grow. Social media platforms and online communication are integral parts of daily life, making cyberbullying a major concern. Cyberbullying refers to the use of technology to harass or harm others. It can range from making fun of someone or spreading false information, to receiving death threats. This bullying is extremely dangerous because the bully can find many ways to trace you and also harass you 24/7, making the victims feel trapped and unable to escape. Cyberbullying allows bullies to target their victims through various digital platforms. With its strong ability to spread, cyberbullying can have devastating effects on people, especially vulnerable teenagers who are still trying to find themselves.
To raise awareness for this issue, FDR is hosting Cyberbullying Awareness Week from, April 7th to April 11th. You or one of your friends have probably seen cyberbullying happen firsthand or have even experienced it yourself. Slander online is so normalized that we are taught to “deal” with it or just “ignore” it, instead of addressing the problem and finding ways to reduce it. In order to participate and show support for this cause, you can take part in Spirit Week. On Monday, April 7th, there will be a giveaway of wristbands to acknowledge the issues surrounding cyberbullying. Make sure you grab a wristband to show your support! On Tuesday, April 8th, there will be a giveaway of buttons and pins to raise awareness. Wednesday, April 9th, will feature a ribbon giveaway. On Thursday, April 10th, everyone should wear blue to show their support for all victims of bullying. On Friday, April 11th, wear pajamas to show that you are comfortable in your own skin, even if you are in sleepwear.
At the end of the day, other people judging you should never matter. Keep being yourself, and if you are being bullied in any way right now, it’s okay to ask for help! You should talk to any adult in this building, around you, or your counselor. Nobody is alone, and there are plenty of people here for you!