Cyber Bullying

"Treat others the way you want to be treated."

This quote is pretty classic - isn't it what everyone's mom used to tell them? Also, "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all." Lol. Well, the reason for this unlikely un-beauty post is because I just watched this movie called CyberBully on Netflix. I believe it was an ABC Family original movie. It starred Emily Osment and Kay Panabaker. I won't go into details, because you seriously HAVE to see it for yourself!
Basically a high school girl starts getting harassed on a Facebook-like site by her classmates which leads her to a failed suicide attempt and eventually getting the attention of state senators about cyberbullying. I literally sobbed through half the movie because, while I didn't get harassed like this in school, I did try to commit suicide sometime after high school. It hit close to home about feeling lost and hopeless and hated.
I also was harassed online a couple years ago by a former best friend. She really hurt me and I stopped being friends with her which lead her to send me cruel emails - hitting me where it hurt most. I was angry, sad, and embarrassed.
It sounds silly to be embarrassed but this girl knew my deepest secrets, exactly where to hurt me the hardest, and make me feel rotten about myself. I immediately deleted the emails because I couldn't stand to look at her name in my Inbox and recall all the harsh words. I changed my email address, deleted all my social media accounts, and basically tried to cut myself off from the rest of the world so she couldn't find me again.
Still to this day, I'm afraid that she will happen to find my new email or site and start harassing me again. But after watching that movie tonight, I am prepared with knowledge if she should attack me again.
Cyber bullying IS against the law. Punishment and laws vary by state, and some states have yet to implement laws against cyber bullies. To find out what the specific laws and punishments are for your state, just google: Cyber bullying laws in Texas, for example. You'll find all the information you need.
And if you are ever bullied, save and print ALL evidence - emails, instant messages, texting, etc. Make sure you are knowledgable of the laws as well to determine what steps to take next. And also, TELL SOMEONE. Parents, teachers you trust, someone of high demeanor that can maybe help you.
Sadly, most laws are geared toward minors in school and on school grounds. But this type of bullying isn't just being committed by kids. My ex-best friend bully was 26 and me, 25, at the time. It's even more sad that some adults act this way! But like I said, research your state's laws.
My state is Texas, and there are laws against cyber bullying for minors in school but there is a penal code that states that the harassment law can be used to criminally penalize cyber bullies, so I take that as it being for all ages.
Leave a comment on your opinions on this matter, whether you've seen the movie, or if you want to share your personal story. Thanks for reading, and I'll be back soon with a lighter happier entry :)