I often state, with great relief, the fact that there was no internet when I was growing up. Back then when something embarrassing happened it remained in that moment, and then was replayed in one’s mind ad nauseam until the shame and remorse eventually dissipated.
These days it’s likely that an embarrassing moment never completely goes away. Peers that weren’t present at said awful moment get to still enjoy it via technology over and over again! The shame and torment are unbearable. Undoubtedly, cyberbullying is varied, pervasive and damaging. It can even be fatal. Here’s a great tool from Dove’s self-esteem campaign to help parents and teachers guide their female students to safety online. It really is our duty to do whatever we can to help protect them from this vast and mostly un-monitored jungle.
