“This friend of mine got a check up because he thought something was wrong with him. He didn't think it would be an STD. He thought it would never happen to him, but it did.”
—Rosaura, 17, New Jersey
Cruel MySpace Hoax Leads to Suicide
Originally Published: Dec 7, 2007
Revised: Jun 19, 2008
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I can only imagine how hurtful and humiliating it must have been for Megan to be put down by a guy she thought liked her. It is absolutely horrific that she took her own life, and after learning about her story, I’m clear something has to be done to prevent tragedies like this one.
Avoid CyberbullyingNobody wants to be cyberbullied. Follow some of these helpful tips from the National Crime Prevention Council:
Get Help If You’re CyberbulliedIf you have been cyberbullied, don’t be afraid to seek help. i-SAFE, an Internet safety foundation, recommends that you do the following:
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Bashing Each Other Online
When I was in middle school, I remember how catty some of us were. Many of us had just started instant messaging and spending hours on the computer. At the lunch table during the school day, many of us would talk about each other behind one another’s back, but it didn’t end there.
Once we were home, we would continue bashing one another online. Sometimes the conversations would go on for hours. My friends, who were either being bullied or bullying, would send me their conversations with other people. Looking back, I wish I had stopped the bullies and supported those being bullied. Although no one was physically hurt, things could have gotten out of hand.
Once we were home, we would continue bashing one another online. Sometimes the conversations would go on for hours. My friends, who were either being bullied or bullying, would send me their conversations with other people. Looking back, I wish I had stopped the bullies and supported those being bullied. Although no one was physically hurt, things could have gotten out of hand.
Easier to Bully Online
Cyberbullying can be as emotionally painful as being bullied in person, and yet, teens find it easier to bully online where there’s some anonymity. “It seems so much easier to talk to someone online. Sometimes you may feel more powerful,” says 15-year-old Brittney, of Union, NJ “You can say what you want without seeing someone’s reaction, or you might not be brave enough to say it in person. I just think people take it way too far.”
The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) runs an anti-cyberbullying campaign, which asks, “If you wouldn’t say it in person, why say it online?” According to the NCPC, many who cyberbully pretend they are other people online to spread lies and rumors about victims, post pictures of them without their consent and trick them into revealing personal information.
The NCPC reports that 81 percent of teens believe that cyberbullies bully because they think it’s funny. I believe that many teens try to fit in and make themselves feel good by humiliating other teens.
Megan Meier had a history of depression, which may have left her more vulnerable to a cyberbully. If you are feeling depressed, don’t be afraid to talk to a parent, guardian or trusted adult. Cyberbullying is serious and should not go on ignored.
The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) runs an anti-cyberbullying campaign, which asks, “If you wouldn’t say it in person, why say it online?” According to the NCPC, many who cyberbully pretend they are other people online to spread lies and rumors about victims, post pictures of them without their consent and trick them into revealing personal information.
The NCPC reports that 81 percent of teens believe that cyberbullies bully because they think it’s funny. I believe that many teens try to fit in and make themselves feel good by humiliating other teens.
Megan Meier had a history of depression, which may have left her more vulnerable to a cyberbully. If you are feeling depressed, don’t be afraid to talk to a parent, guardian or trusted adult. Cyberbullying is serious and should not go on ignored.
Let Cyberbullying Stop with You
Although no charges are being brought against the mother who had the fake MySpace profile created to torment Megan, it is absolutely devastating that Megan lost her life over a cruel hoax. It’s important that a tragedy like Megan’s doesn’t happen again. Follow the tips in the sidebar, and make sure you are safe online.
Don’t cyberbully; you have no idea what the person you’re bullying is going through. Don’t stand for your friends’ cyberbullying, and report it to someone if it happens to you or someone you know.
Don’t cyberbully; you have no idea what the person you’re bullying is going through. Don’t stand for your friends’ cyberbullying, and report it to someone if it happens to you or someone you know.
Your Comments
Hey Daniel_R!
Posted by: Chulaprincess95 on Apr 29th, 2009 4:44pm
I have a Myspace too. I always follow the tips on their
site! That's so sad. It makes me want to cry and I still
can't believe that happened to such a sweet girl like Megan!
Wow
Posted by: ToxicRainbow on Aug 12th, 2008 1:17am
No matter how many times I hear this story, it still shocks
me. The mother of Megan's ex-friend should be locked up or
something. What kind of a cruel person - a grown woman, for
that matter - bullies a girl less than half her age? People
like that make me sick! It's so sad that that girl died.
NOT COOL
Posted by: dramos09 on Jan 3rd, 2008 7:46pm
Omg...I think that cyberbully is really hurtful to many
people or teens who have low-self-esteem issues. The person
who made up this account on myspace should be punished for
doing such ats. It must not have been inteneded, but still
at fault. I know that myspace can be a good thing and also
a bad thing for those of such age.
RE: bullying
Posted by: DanR on Dec 13th, 2007 8:57am
I am so sorry to hear that you are bullied about your
sexual
orientation. It is never OK for anyone to bully
another person and please know you are not alone in dealing
with this - there are people who can help! Check our this
FAQ for some resources:
http://www.sexetc.org/faq/emotional_health/2735 or check out
http://www.glbtnationalhelpcenter.org for some LGBTQ
resources. There are lots of people who can try to help.
Hang in there!
bullying
Posted by: RYAN-MOZZ on Dec 11th, 2007 12:03pm
iam bulled all the time because of my sexuallaty( i am gay)
what should i do i feel like killing myself:(
That Story was Shocking to me
Posted by: Daniel_R on Dec 7th, 2007 6:40pm
I have a Myspace account and I follow all of the safety tips
on that website and I'm extremely careful this was a total
shock to me and I can't believe that happened
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Overreaction
Posted by: Chase on Nov 29th, 2009 1:22am
the ex-friend's mother took it way to far. she shouldnt even
have been involving herself.