Anonymity

   I'm amazed. People are nasty. Don't believe me? Check out any social media. We say the meanest, most vial things about everyone. Have a disability? Mental illness? Had a death in your family? Nothing and no one is off limits.  With complete anonymity, you can rip someone to shreds and never face any consequences. How scary is that?

  For example, the MP for my area was defeated in Monday's election. Someone, who didn't reveal their name, made a comment about how they hoped he got sick so he could enjoy all the cut backs to health care he approved. The former MP has cancer. I'm 99.9% positive this person would never had said this to his face. Can you imagine saying that to someone who is going through cancer treatment? Of course not because you would be expecting a very nasty reply...as you would deserve.

  Common decency doesn't seem to play a big role on social media sites. We've all heard about cyber bullying. You don't even have to see the person to take part.  From the safety of your own home, you can call people whatever hate you choose to spew. Take the most vulnerable people and kick them just one more time...then forward the photo to every single person you know.

  Teenagers have it particularly hard. Cameras are everywhere. Everyone has one. No matter what you are doing, in a split second, you are filmed, edited and on line. And it never goes away. Ever.

  Growing up I made mistakes. So did you. So does everyone. There is no evidence of mine....except in the minds of some old and dear friends. My kids are not going to be as lucky. They need to be aware they are always seconds away from on-line fame...and not in a good way. But they aren't because they are kids and invincible.

  Talk to your kids. All the time. Show them that words hurt. Put faces to people who are being bullied. Tell them their stories. Your own stories too. Make them understand that they need to stand up to a bully....even if they don't know the victim. Most importantly teach them not to be the bully...and if they already are then show them how to stop.

  A good rule to follow...if you wouldn't say it to the persons face, don't hit send.

  Ang