I was once the big kid in school, weighing at 105kg and was always the butt of all jokes. I comforted myself at the thought that it would all be over once the school bell rang, but it was far from over. The Internet back then was not as rampant and far-reaching as it is now, but the social networking sites we had and platforms such as Internet Relay Chat was when I first had my encounter with cyber bullying. Back then we would all join chat rooms that we could relate to such as our own school chat rooms and everyone knew each other.
The cyber world was not any kinder to me. I was constantly subjected to nasty comments, even from people whose usernames I didn’t even know, all because I was overweight. Every day felt like a battlefield and it took a toll on my mental health. I remember breaking down often and I started questioning who my friends were, or if I EVEN had one. I could not find a person/place of refuge and being scarred by all the torment, I became very insecure and started to withdraw myself from people.
Today, I’ve lost enough weight to look great physically, things might have changed and I have become healthier, but every once in a while, insecurity will still rear its ugly head. Whilst I no longer have people teasing me about being overweight, nasty comments take on other forms. I sometimes still do wonder if I am or will ever be good enough, but thankfully I now have some form of support system and know that I'm not alone.
Cyber Bullying is real. Sticks and stones may break one’s bones but words can also cut one deeply. Words can be just as or more detrimental to the mind as physical blows are to the body. While words are often carelessly spoken, without much thought of its repercussions, the scars they leave might be for life.
You and I can make the internet a better place for everyone to be in.
Let us uplift instead of tear down. We’re #1Clickaway from better internet! #BetterInternetSG
If you are a victim, or know anyone who is, you may reach out to:
1. TOUCHED Cyber Wellness
Tel: 1800 377 2252
Email: cyberwellness@touch.org.sg
2. Fei Yue Community Services
Tel: 65631106
Online contact form: www.fycs.org/contact-us
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FYCS started in 1996, offering services and programmes to reach out to children with special needs, youth-at-risk, families and the elderly. The main services ... ... <看更多>