Cyber-bullying

Last year, a girl named Amanda Todd committed suicide because she couldn't handle the awful things people said about her. She was being cyber-bullied. Although I'm sure this is not the first time this happens, I would like to express my concern about this subject.

Maybe I find this important, because I was bullied back in middle school and I can only imagine what this kids are feeling now, with the use of Internet, it has gone to a whole new level. The only thing that could "protect" you from bullies was the fact that they could get caught and have repercussions, and with the Internet, they can now all wear a mask and do it anonymously. So not only they hurt people without even signing those mean words, but they can do it faster and to more and more kids who they might not even know! 

When I was 13, I changed schools in the hope of a new beginning, to make new friends and get away from the catholic school I was in. Unfortunately, I seemed to attract too much attention (being a new girl in school), according to the "popular girls" in my school, so the change wasn't all for the best. From being a kid who was never even noticed by the popular group in my old school to being the center of all their hate: all I wondered was..."why me?, many other new students joined the school this year...I've done nothing wrong to these people". All through middle school I was bullied by the "popular group" of my generation. I was lucky enough to have true friends who sheltered and supported me when I was beginning to believe what those silly kids said about me. I might not have gotten to the point of thinking about ending my life, but changing schools was definitely on my mind and until these days, a mark prevails in me and my personality.

In my last year of high school, I made a short film called "Yo" trying to promote an awareness of the importance of this matter. And I'm glad to say, that without my distribution, other students from my hometown recognize that video since apparently teachers heard about it and started to show it in schools. When I heard about it, I couldn't help myself from thinking how little I thought my gesture had been and how many people I had reached. I want to reach more people through my videos (maybe, one day movies?). I want people to watch a movie and stop feeling alone, I want them to be able to identify themselves with the characters and find hope to their problems.

I wish this doesn't stay as only a dream of mine.

Honestly,
Andrea.