Cyber-Mobbing
Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 4:41PM 15-year-old Phoebe Prince, originally a resident of Ireland, knew that moving to this country would bring changes. Nothing could have prepared her for what happened while attending South Hadley High School. “Everyone called her a slut and a whore all the time . . .” said Pat Larrow, a 17-year-old senior.
It happened at school and it happened online. “Cyber-bullying can be so dangerous because it can lead to cyber-mobbing, which means kids can come together to attack another kid, 24 hours a day, seven days a week." said internet privacy and security attorney, Parry Aftab.
When mob mentality meets cyber-bullying, it creates cyber-mobbing. What does a 15-year-old do when she feels like everyone is against her? “No one would be ready for multiple groups of people that you’ve never said two words to, absolutely hating you. No one could handle that,” Larrow stated.
What makes cyber-mobbing worse than the bullying you see on the playground is how merciless the abuse can be. The language used by cyber-mobs is downright heartless and there’s no safe place to hide from the relentless stream of cruelty. The constant and brutal harassment is enough to make some young people feel totally helpless and alone. No one deserves to feel that way… no one.
For more about Phoebe Prince:
Girl’s Death Prompts School to Take Action
Teenage Irish Girl Who Emigrated to America "Hanged Herself After Cyber-Bullying Torment."
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