This is how you can beat annoying online bullies
Many young people are undergoing cyber-bullying.
What you need to know:
- A few people liked and commented on the picture, and I left the social media platform to tend to other activities in my life.
- When I came back online, I was shocked to find mean comments about how I was too big for the dress I was wearing.
- Eventually, I resorted to praying and pulling away from social media.
- I soon realised this was not the solution and my parents took me to a counsellor.
In early April, I posted a random picture of myself on Instagram.
A few people liked and commented on the picture, and I left the social media platform to tend to other activities in my life.
When I came back online, I was shocked to find mean comments about how I was too big for the dress I was wearing.
The comments went ahead to suggest that I should exercise to get rid of the excess belly fat, how my hair should be really up to style, and how my dressing and look was too basic and not pretty enough to be posted on social media.
I finally deleted the picture because I thought this was the only way I could get rid of them once and for all.
Luckily, I talked with my mother about it. She was extremely worried and sad for me. Even after the conversation, I became sad and my self-esteem dipped to an extent that I was not myself for about two weeks.
I gave up
I even started working out to get rid of the fat on my belly but despite the effort, I did not see the results and I gave up.
I could not even go out because I felt like everyone’s eyes would be on me. Eventually, I resorted to praying and pulling away from social media. I deleted most of the apps, stayed offline and gave myself time to recover.
I soon realised this was not the solution and my parents took me to a counsellor. Talking to the counsellor helped me to learn things about myself from my own perspective.
I also learnt that as much as I want to end cyber bullying, it is not enough to call it out. I learnt to be thoughtful about what I share or say that may hurt others.
Do what’s best for me
Eventually, I started seeing that I could do much more with myself if I just do what is best for me.
My confidence was restored and I re-joined social media. The break had been really helpful.
Many young people are undergoing cyber-bullying in the form of online threats, impersonation, or the posting of embarrassing photos of them online.
Unfortunately, while this thing is hard to take in, they often keep it to themselves and end up hurting emotionally, mentally and physically. I hope they get someone they can trust to talk to.
Meg Atieno is 16 years old.
Are you aged 10-20 and would like to be Nation’s young reporter? Email your 400-600-word article to [email protected]
