My heart is heavy with this post. My beautiful daughter A'Yianah( who is 11 yrs old, 6th grader at Murray Hill Middle School) has become a victim of cyber bullying. Last night we was made aware of a FaceBook page dedicated to "going on" the students. There were several posts about random students of the school. Then at 8:21 p.m. the coward posted a random post about my daughter ( it was so trifling and disgusting that the principal couldn't read it in its entirely). She is being teased unmercifully for being skinny- she was accused of having anorexia, told she need to go somewhere and eat a sandwich , and how dumb she look wearing skinny leg jeans( I'm given you the clean verison), and spoken about in ways that no one should ever speak to another human being.
I was (am) angry, very, very, angry- the profile is "private" so at this time I have no way of identifying the coward who owns the page or wrote the post-that may be a blessing in disguise that I don't know who it is. I made a police report last night, and the police also reported the page to FaceBook. This morning, -I went and spoke to the school officials and The Board of Education. Apparently due to the recent suicides, etc FB has a partnership with school officials that will provide them the IP address of the individual(s) that create/post to these type of pages. CYBER BULLYING IS A CRIME- and Howard County school officials is taking this very seriously! I must admit that in the beginning I didn't feel the urgency from them- but I let them know... If I don't have an update by COD today-all the media up/down I-95 will be contacted at 6am tomorrow- my FB friends started providing me with direct media contacts and my boss ( thank you) provided me with media contacts he have on speed dial! The legal team at work was drawing up the cease letter ( for FB) and composing my statement for the media, and a press release. The school has called me 3x's since 9am- they know I'm serious ( I had my poker face on, and my "take your ass to court suit " ). Once I left the building- I sat in my truck and cried. I called one of my besties ( Antinette) and let it go. Its very hurtful. Its really hard being a kid these days, and its harder being a parent. I've instilled in my daughter that looks don't mean a thing- its your character that will get you far in life. Last night and today- I realized that I have a good circle around me. People that I've never met was calling/texting me offering me support. I love ya'll - I know my friends and fam ride for me and i also heard about the bail fund...lol..lol..( I was prepared.. I'd left my debit card with my daughter in our secret place- I was PREPARED to catch a case- still am prepared-truth be told).
I was (am) angry, very, very, angry- the profile is "private" so at this time I have no way of identifying the coward who owns the page or wrote the post-that may be a blessing in disguise that I don't know who it is. I made a police report last night, and the police also reported the page to FaceBook. This morning, -I went and spoke to the school officials and The Board of Education. Apparently due to the recent suicides, etc FB has a partnership with school officials that will provide them the IP address of the individual(s) that create/post to these type of pages. CYBER BULLYING IS A CRIME- and Howard County school officials is taking this very seriously! I must admit that in the beginning I didn't feel the urgency from them- but I let them know... If I don't have an update by COD today-all the media up/down I-95 will be contacted at 6am tomorrow- my FB friends started providing me with direct media contacts and my boss ( thank you) provided me with media contacts he have on speed dial! The legal team at work was drawing up the cease letter ( for FB) and composing my statement for the media, and a press release. The school has called me 3x's since 9am- they know I'm serious ( I had my poker face on, and my "take your ass to court suit " ). Once I left the building- I sat in my truck and cried. I called one of my besties ( Antinette) and let it go. Its very hurtful. Its really hard being a kid these days, and its harder being a parent. I've instilled in my daughter that looks don't mean a thing- its your character that will get you far in life. Last night and today- I realized that I have a good circle around me. People that I've never met was calling/texting me offering me support. I love ya'll - I know my friends and fam ride for me and i also heard about the bail fund...lol..lol..( I was prepared.. I'd left my debit card with my daughter in our secret place- I was PREPARED to catch a case- still am prepared-truth be told).
We didn't sleep much last night, buts she wanted to go to school this morning. I gave her her pep talk, she got ultra "clean" for school today and walked in with her head hung HIGH!!! (that's mini sixx) she had her get it girl swagger and I was proud. She is not a victim- she is a survivor!!!!! I'm not too sure if I could have walked in "like that" and faced everyone after what was posted for all to see. She went up in their like she owned the building [pumps fist!!!] that's my girl.. Stay tuned for the updates.
6 comments:
What a horrible..horrible...horrible...horrible thing! I am truly sorry to hear yet another child has been a victim of bullying. Any bullying fb, no book , on book what ever its not to be tolerated. I can soooo relate to what you are feeling. My oldest son was also a victim of bullying at the school he was attending at the time which was 3 years ago. The things that other chidren can say and try to do to other children are down right horrible. I to cryed a many of days after marching my self day after day after day after day meeting with the school officals about the bulliyng my child was experincing. I called in the police the school board and the press was next. I had also contacted a lawyer. There were many days I would leave and just break down privately. It hurts ..it hurts the children just as much as the parent. I'm just like you have not a problem , not a problem at all doing whatever I needed to do to protect my children.
Because of the bullying w/ my son I have since homeschooled all four of my children for the last three years. We must do what we have to to protect our children. I dont know you or your precious daughter. But, I wish you both nothing less than the best and in hopes that this whole thing blows over...and soon.
Please send your daughter my sincere best wishes.
Take care.
zainab1
AuNaturale007.blogspot.com
DAMN, kids can't even enjoy school anymore! This bullying stuff has gotten out of hands and sadly I blame some of these parents for not teaching their kids it's just not right. Wow! Your daughter is sweet as pie and doesn't deserve this but, they messed with the wrong one. I'm glad the school is stepping up but, still she shouldn't have to deal with it at all. You know if you need me I'm there
I am so so sorry that this happened. Bullying needs to stopped and not tolerated period. I have a son who is autistic and I worry about him being picked on and bullied at school especially since he can't tell when someone is making fun of him. I hope that action is taken quickly. Again so sorry. Wishing you the best for a positive outcome.
So sorry to hear that. I actually have a coworker whose daughter has been being bullied by other students at her school, she is an 8th grader. It has been very hard on her and her daughter, the things they say to her like you said, should not be said to a human being, or a child by another child. Her daughter has gone through alot the past year and is now seeing a therapist. We work at an elementary school so I understand how mean some children can be, I have my share of conversations with them. I hope everything goes well with your daughter. Tell her to keep her head up and don't let them get to her.
Bullying has to stop! Whether your child is the aggressor or on the unfortunate receiving end the solution starts at home.
You did the right thing! Your daughter's a hero!
This is saddening. I thought only high schoolers and college students did these kinds of things and now it looks like it's making its way down to middle school and elementary school. Something needs to be done and it starts with the parents. I'm so sorry that your daughter had to experience this. She seems like a strong girl though and with your guidance, I'm sure she'll be ok.
Post a Comment