A united front to take on scourge of bullying on social media sites
A councillor who has been the victim of online bullying is standing behind a campaign to wipe it out.
Writer Kelly Craig and film- maker Ross Hunter are setting up a social enterprise to work with young people to deter bullying.
Councillor Siobhian Brown, 46, is supporting their efforts after suffering harassment online.
The mum- of- three said: “In the past 10 years we have dramatically seen a change in the use of technology.
“Although internet and social media can be a positive tool for research and information and keeping in touch, a very dark side has emerged where it is used as a vehicle to bully, harass and intimidate.
“I personally have experienced harassment online and it truly worries me that people think that this is acceptable behaviour.”
Kelly, 39, a mum- of- one, and Ross, 29, have established film- making project, Shout Productions, for teens to express their experience of bullying.
The pair are launching the project, which is called the COURAGE! campaign to mark anti- bullying week. They aim to kit out a studio at the Mosshill Industrial Estate, which will allow the community to create films.
Kelly said social media harassment was fuelling mental health problems among teenagers – which in severe cases leads to self harm or suicide.
Ross said: “Social media means there is no escape. People are being bullied in their bedrooms.”
Siobhian said: “Parents need to take an interest and if they don’t understand the technology they need to be watching. Comments online are not just made to one person – it is a public forum.
“Self- harming is up 70 per cent in girls in the last three years. Childhood is being robbed.”
Kelly said: “We need to raise awareness among parents and young people. There are so many adults as well as children who live their lives on Facebook. They need to be more accountable.”
Giving an example about the dangers online, she pinpoints a Facebook site called Ayrshire Snakes which encourages the spreading of nasty rumours anonymously.
Children sharing intimate images is another problem. A third humiliating experience for teens is having their faces deleted from multiple selfies.
Kelly said: “Social media is a fabulous tool box for bullying. Often having an audience empowers the bully. It is disgusting.”
Ross said: “The key is to stop it getting to the stage where people are self harming or isolating themselves.”
Siobhian added: “I do feel it is time that people start to take notice, lead by example and any bullying or harassment online in any shape or form should not be encouraged or ‘ liked’.”
To support the COURAGE! campaign, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/sh out-productions-courage-anti bullying-campaign. Or phone 07552 011508.
The Ayrshire Post supports anti- bullying week, which runs until Friday.
Editor Gary Fanning said that bullying in any form is unacceptable. He said: “The Ayrshire Post does not condone bullying. We will not tolerate the harassment of users on our Facebook and Twitter accounts.
“I would urge all readers to give respect to others when commenting on articles online. We will remove any content that is offensive to our readers.”