Cyberbullying

By; @Zamaradi_M

Cyberbullying: Using communication technology such as emails, texts and instant messages to intimidate, control, manipulate, put down, falsely discredit, humiliate or embarrass others.

 
Hi, my name is Zamaradi and I have been bullied.


I was bullied back in primary school (11 - 13 years old). The first day I reported at a secondary school Jane Chikomo made it her mission to make sure I return to where I came from! Here I was in a new school, reported less than 5hrs ago and I was already in tears!

So, when I talk of bullying, I am not just talking the talk, I have been through that path.

For any socially active individual, the Internet and social networks are definitely a must have nowadays. It's where we can connect with others, talk, have a laugh and joke around. When this beautiful thing is turned into a crime scene, you can not help but wonder, what is wrong with this world?

I have not been cyberbullied, Thank God. But experiencing bullying in the past I can't help but be worried. Back then I only had to deal with a couple of school mates that I knew. With the internet, I will be dealing with God knows how many people and from God knows where! That is the worst thing about cyberullying, you are attacked by anyone from anywhere.

Each one of us has had their moment(s) of weakness and did things we are not proud of. Things that we wish would be forgotten. As human beings we keep making mistakes. I might be proud for some mistakes I made because I learned from them but if I don't personally tell the world about them it is because I am not proud enough to share them.

Before you go on exposing my shameless acts, just stop for a minute and think of how would you feel if that was done to you? How would you feel if that was done to your loved one? Exposing me does not only hurt me, it hurts my family, my friends and everyone who cares about me. What reasons would you have to cause all that unhappiness? What exactly have I done to you to deserve all this pain? And the ultimate question; what do you expect to accomplish with that?

I did some reading on bullying and especially cyberbullying. There are no reports on the extent of its effects in Tanzania or Africa but it scares me what it has done elsewhere. In USA 50% of teenagers admit to have been cyberbullied. Some would give up and take their own lives. How do you live with yourself knowing that something you typed or sent on the internet was a reason another person took his/her own life?

The next time you want to post, forward, favorite, Re-tweet, Like or send something that you know will hurt someone, please think twice. 

I might have knowingly or unknowingly be a part of cyberbullying, my sincere apologies.

I take a vow today;  Not to be part of those cowards who hide behind their keyboards and play tough. I am stronger than that. And I was taught better than that, my mama didn't raise a coward. I will express my concerns, I will stand by victims' sides whenever I can and I will never be a part of cyberbullying.


And here are some links to see the victims of cyberbullying. They are mostly from America, Canada and Europe. We have not gone as far as to have victims physically hurting themselves but I am worried that we will get there if we do not do something to stop this madness NOW. I am doing my part,What are YOU going to do?

If you want to get some local feel, just go through some local blogs, websites, tweets and facebook posts and you will see how bad cyberbullying is getting.


Amanda commited suicide a month after posting this.

All these 10 teenagers are gone.

Megan

Audrie Pott

Rahtaeh's father speaks out

 If you are being bullied block, talk to someone, get help, and above all, Stay Strong.