Everyone has encountered a ruthless and relentless mean girl in their lives. They taunt, they tease, they hurt and they scar. It seems as though technology has only made a bully's job easier. Social networking sites give bullies the opportunity to do their evil deeds away from watchful eyes. Even if a victim of bullying grows up and moves on, the scars never heal. They will always question their self-worth. And some victims aren't so lucky, so is the story of Phoebe Prince, a beautiful freshman from Massachusetts.
Phoebe moved from Ireland to Massachusetts last fall. Her parents wanted her to "experience America". New school, new friends, new problems. She briefly dated a senior from the football team, which really made the mean girls of South Hadely High pissy. So they stalked, physically abused, and tormented Phoebe. On January 14th, as she walked home from school, one of those mean girls drove past, threw her drink at Phoebe and called her names. Phoebe went home and hung herself, only to be found by her 12-year-old sister.
Apparently these girls stalked and tormented this young girl on Twitter, Facebook and through texts. Not only that, but following her death, the girls continued to mock Phoebe on her Facebook memorial page. Now seven girls are being charged with a range of offenses from harrassment to civil-rights violation, and two boys are being charged with statutory rape.
Cyberbullying is a major issue with students these days. Statistics Canada estimates that between 12% and 25% of students have experienced cyberbullying. I feel social media sites have often given bullies more options and avenues to stalk their prey. Parents need to encourage a more open conversation with their kids about what goes on online. I'm not saying social media is the main source of bullying, however I feel it just adds fuel to an already uncontrollable fire. Parents: be aware of your children's activities online! Someone needs to stand up. Maybe if someone stood up for Phoebe, she would still be alive.
