When it comes to cyber bullying, no one is off limits. Take Olympic gymnast Simone Biles for example. While, the 20-year-old holds 5 Olympic medals (four of which are gold) and prides herself on being a body positive role model for children around the world. She often becomes a target for body shaming and harsh critics.
Most recently, the athlete shared a selfie of herself holding a cup with “Hawaii” written on the outside. “Resting beach face,” Biles quipped.
While the caption seemed innocent enough, one user used the opportunity to attack Biles, labeling her a poor role model.
“Seems like u have partied nonstop for a year #trash #unfollow #suckya—rolemodel,” the user wrote.
In response Biles wrote: “Talk to me when you train for 14 years and earn 5 Olympic medals. I think kids would say otherwise. My year off is well deserved! Take a couple seats.”
““Comments like this have me shook. I really wanted to blur her name out so she doesn’t get attention. but it is what it is. #BLOCK,” she added via Twitter.
While Biles appeared to quickly shake off the snub, her admittance of being “shook” certainly points to the toll cyberbullying can have on one’s mental health.
With wider access to technology, bullies are refraining from the age-old playground brawls and moving towards social media, text messages, instant messenger, even email to target victims. Still, experts suggest that despite the lack of physical harm, cyberbullying is just as dangerous.
In 2014, “25 percent of teenagers report that they have experienced repeated bullying by their cell phone, or on the Internet.” Overall, “52 percent of young people report being cyber bullied.” Sadly, of the reported 95 percent of teens that witnessed bullying on social media, they admit that they turned a blind eye.
Of course, there are levels to cyberbullying. Defined as mocking or criticizing someone’s body shape or size, there’s been a huge uptick in body shaming. Both men and women, young and old, whether thin, thick, or rocking a little extra to love, individuals from all walks of life are being attacked on apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook. It’s a big problem. One which studies indicate have impacted 94 percent of teenage girls and 64 percent teen boys, leading to a host of eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, body image disorder or worse, attempted suicide.
What does this mean for parents with young children and teens?
Whether you believe your child is being cyberbullied or not, there is no better time than now to stay on top of their online activities. While the mama and papa bear in you may be tempted to lash out in your own way, experts over at PBS suggest doing the following:
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