Cyberbullying

Social networking has become a major part in today’s social lifestyle. According to Kit Smith in his article 123 Amazing Social Media Statistics and Facts there are over 3.3 billion active social media users worldwide https://www.brandwatch.com/blog/amazing-social-media-statistics-and-facts/ Our Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat accounts have been able to connect us together 24 hours a day 7 days a week granting the ability to communicate and share our thoughts with people in our towns and even across oceans . But this access we have does not come without negative aspects. Cyberbullying has emerged as a fairly new and prominent issue world wide since the introduction of social media. The presence of bullying was only seen as an occurrence that happened exclusively at school, it was found at home as well.     

According to an article on the Common Sense Media website, the internet usually is not the only place the bullying occurs. “Several teen suicides have been linked to cyberbullying, but the reality is more complicated. Cyberbullying is rarely the sole factor contributing to suicide, however kids who are bullied — or who bully others — are at an increased risk for suicide. In cases where suicide is linked with cyberbullying, other factors exist, such as offline bullying and mental health issues such as depression.” www.commonsensemedia.org/cyberbullying/is-there-a-connection-between-cyberbullying-and-suicide.

Ryan Halligan didn’t know that cyberbullying was so dangerous when he fell victim to this epidemic. In 2003 Ryan took his life as a result of cyberbullying. These relationships he had formed online played a huge role in his decision to end his life. The scariest part of this situation is that all of the hurt and pain that he felt as a result of the bullying at school did not end when he walked through the front door of his home. His parents had no idea that this problem existed and it was happening right under their noses. Ryan was being called names like loser and fag someone even went so far as to start rumors pertaining to Ryan’s sexuality now he was being called gay. It was stated in the Frontline story that the breaking point for Ryan is when  popular girl at school flirted with him as if she was interested with him all as an elaborate joke. According to the Frontline story of Ryan Halligan his father John Halligan discovered that Ryan had a relationship with another young man that was unsettling. The two would share online information regarding ways to kill themselves ranging from how to tie a noose to a questionnaire that would ask you personal questions in order to find a way to kill yourself that best fit your personality these to kids were encouraging each other to commit suicide adding to the urge He was being bullied relentlessly, the constant name calling inside and now outside of school most likely took a toll on him emotionally causing severe depression leading to his suicide. There is no doubt Ryan was being bullied. Usually when parents hear about their children being bullied it exclusively at school, but with the introduction of the previously mentioned social media. Bullying was now seen at home, his bullies would be able to reach him at the place he should feel safest, at his home.

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After Tyler’s death, his father John Halligan took on the responsibility of preventing this situation from happening again. His efforts led to the passing of Vermont billy prevention bill. On May 18, 2004 Governor Jim Douglas signed a bill into place that instituted a bully prevention procedures in Vermont schools. Governor Douglas stated “Bullying is conduct that this bill recognizes as being more than just ‘kids being kids’, When it becomes pervasive, persistent and designed to humiliate or ridicule our children it requires some response from not only parents but also our schools.”About Us – Ryan’s Story   John became the voice for this bill. Mr. and Mrs. Halligan have taken their efforts throughout the United States visiting schools and even appearing on TV programs including Primetime with Diane Sawyer, PBS Frontline, and Oprah. There efforts didn’t just stop in the united states. They’ve traveled to Canada and Latin America as well. John also gave a speech at the United Nations Intolerance Seminar. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed ether. They’ve earned IBM Community Service Award in 2005, The Kids Safe Collaborative Community Service Award in 2008, And the United Way’s Hometown Hero Award in 2008.