Cyber Bullying

I was reading a post today from a fellow soaper that I follow on both Facebook and YouTube. She was letting the group know that she was turning off the comments section on her videos because she could no longer handle the nasty comments about her children that people were posting on her videos.

I can not begin to describe how angry this made me. Nasty comments are a part of life. We as adults understand that, however, when does it get to a point where the lines are crossed? When does it become cyber bullying?

My question is when did it become acceptable to say hateful things to each other? Especially to complete strangers? When did it become socially acceptable to sit behind a computer screen and say things you wouldn't say to someone's face?

I don't understand. Could someone please stand up and explain this to me? I don't understand how someone can sit behind a computer and feel safe enough to harm other people with their words.

Maybe its just me, maybe I just miss the times when people had manners, decorum, and class. I should have been born in the 50s I guess in that case, but I know how I was raised. Even now, in my 30s, my mother would still whip my butt if I talked to someone in a manner she felt was disrespectful or ignorant. Ask her, I am sure she will tell you the same thing. Or better yet, ask my close friends instead. Mom might think you were asking because I did something wrong and need a butt whipping lol. Yes, even a head shorter than me and she still scares me.

The point is that we are aware, as adults, the impact bullying has on our children. That it affects psychological development, causes health problems, and affects the adult lives of children. So why do we think this is acceptable behavior as adults just because of the safety of hiding behind a computer screen? Does that make it less damaging? Does that create a better feeling of power?

Someone please explain this to me, because I would love to understand. How can we teach our children tolerances for our differences, respect for selves and others, and to be responsible adults with behaviors like that?

Shaking my head in confusion,

Danielle

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