The issue of bullying is not one that is new in the slightest bit, however it has taken on a new shape and form over the years and has become increasingly hard to prevent. I have previously written on the issues of bullying, however recently it has become more prevalent in the media recently as a number of cases have made headlines. Recent news coverage has included that which has targeted gay teens, which has led to related suicides (CBS). Much of the recent bullying has been done via the use of the internet or mobile devices, and has included the use of video, as well as the distribution of photos and other images.Now with technology in every child’s hands bullying is even easier, quicker and can be more widespread with only a click of a button or mouse. Children text images and rumors, sites like Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter can all serve as platforms to abuse and deface one and other. Facebook was one of most used mediums of abuse in the case of Phoebe Prince in Boston, as I covered in my piece Bullying is Abuse. Prince’s Facebook bullying followed her preceding her suicide when a Bully writes ‘accomplished’ on Phoebe Prince’s Facebook page on day of death.
The increase of cyber bullying has now led to the passing of laws in some 45 states in the U.S. to punish cyber bullies and bring increased attention to the extreme impact and harm it can cause victims. I was please to see my home state of Missouri passed a law in August, sadly it came due to the suicide of a 13 year-old, Megan Meier (Hannibal Courier Post). While these laws are significant progress in the fight to stop bullying and punished abusers, it is only one piece in a complex puzzle that must be put together to ensure children across the country…and globe…are no longer forced to suffer in silence.
Please also see my previous post, Awareness Saves Our Children
If you are a child or teen facing bulling please do not be afraid and report the abuse to a trusted adult right away or contact one of the following Crisis Hotlines for help.
Please also see the following resource lists: Books for Children and Parents of Victims of Abuseand Links for Abused Children and Parents
Cassandra Clifford is the Founder and Executive Director of Bridge to Freedom Foundation, which works to enhance and improve the services and opportunities available to survivors of modern slavery. She holds an M.A., International Relations from Dublin City University in Ireland, as well as a B.A., Marketing and A.S., Fashion Merchandise/Marketing from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island.
Cassandra has previously worked in both the corporate and charity sector for various industries and causes, including; Child Trafficking, Learning Disabilities, Publishing, Marketing, Public Relations and Fashion. Currently Cassandra is conducting independent research on the use of rape as a weapon of war, as well as America’s Pimp Culture and its Impact on Modern Slavery. In addition to her many purists Cassandra is also working to develop a series of children’s books.
Cassandra currently resides in the Washington, D.C. metro area, where she also writes for the Examiner, as the DC Human Rights Examiner, and serves as an active leadership member of DC Stop Modern Slavery.
Areas of Focus:
Children's Rights; Human Rights; Conflict