Great Article but Comments Show Need for More to be Done

I have to admit I was a bit nervous about an article going in the T&A because it could open up the floodgates for more trolling. However, the message is too important  not to share.

The article written is really great (sadly the printed article doesn't share the link for the pledge) but the online one does. I've attached it here in case you want a quick look.

The comments are a so shocking though and show that people don't understand online trolling and abuse at all. Most comments are along the lines of 2 things:

1. Just block them and move on or just stay off social media

2. People have had a go at others since the dawn of time. Get a grip and move on.

I totally understand  why people who haven't been trolled think it's this easy but bear in mind:

Trolls get blocked of course but find other ways to come at you  - through friends accounts, fake accounts and on your other social media channels. It's not knowing what will happen next or when. Imagine this time 1000s  every day for a celebrity.

Why should I close my accounts? I'm not the one with the wrong behaviours. Social media is my means for staying in touch with some friends, finding out what's happening in my community, being informed about events etc. Why should I become more socially excluded because of trolls? Now imagine it's a young child and they closest their accounts - the trolling  still continues and comments are made about it in school every day. They can't just close it down.

Just get over - shows a huge lack of understanding  about the impact of bullying on mental health. Sticks and stones is a children's rhyme and belongs in then 1970s and has no place in 2020 when a bright beautiful  young woman kills herself because of online abuse. 

Please continue to be wonderful and share the love and the message xx