As a former victim of bullying myself, I still carry a low self esteem, and have a difficult time trusting people. However, it seems that bullying seems to be getting worse, not better, especially if the following is any indication:
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/b-c-girls-suicide-foreshadowed-video-204452577.htmlSocial media has increased the manner in which one can be bullied. This girl made a mistake when she was 12 years old and flashed a camera. The next few years of her life both online and in school were absolutely horrifying, and my life experiences paled in comparison to her own. People keep asking, "where were her parents in all this?" You think the fact that she switched schools THREE times indicates that her parents were doing what they could, but the sad fact of the matter is, bullying is still running rampant, and little to nothing seems to be getting done about it. Then you get kids who get bullied horrifically, and when they FINALLY stand up for themselves and hit back, THEY are the ones who get in trouble.
Zero tolerance certainly doesn't seem to be working if the above news article and video are any indication. My major question is... why was the man who posted the pic up in the first place not charged with distribution of child porn? Were the little fuckers who beat her up not charged? And why do the schools say "Zero Tolerance", and yet IGNORE the bullying and attack the victim when they try to retaliate?
There simply isn't enough being done. I'm sorry, but when a girl drinks BLEACH to try to end her life, and then has people posting on facebook pictures of Javex and telling her to try different brands so she 'gets it right the next time', that should be get the little shit BANNED from facebook, and EXPELLED from the girl's school!
I don't know if anyone agrees with me here or not, but all I know is that this triggers me. Hardcore. I can't say I know how she felt because I haven't been bullied to the horrific extent she was, but I WAS a victim nonetheless. And if I had been anywhere in her area, if I had been capable of doing so, I would have wrapped that poor girl up in my arms and given her the comfort she so desperately needed in her time of crisis.
RIP Amanda, and know that your story is now out, and you have the support you never got in life.