Dear Big Sis,
My friends are posting mean gossip and rumors about a classmate on Facebook. They are saying really mean things. I don’t think any of it is true! I don’t like it. But I’m afraid they will turn on me if I say anything.

What should I do to make them stop?
Signed,
Feeling Guilty

Dear Feeling Guilty,
What you are experiencing is called cyber (online) bullying. It is just as harmful and hurtful as bullying in person. Because it’s so damaging, some countries even consider it a crime.

Try talking to your friends. I know it can be scary to talk to them, since the bullying isn’t directed at you. And I won’t lie this could result in you being the target of bullying too or they could stop being friends with you! But do you really want to be friends with bullies?

One way to go about it is by helping your friends think about what it would feel like if they were the ones been bullied.

You may be able to convince them to stop their cruel actions.

If this doesn’t work, you can help your classmate to report what is happening to a trusted parent or a teacher. You may lose a friend or two in the process, but you will have done the right thing.

Involving an adult or older friend, sibling or cousin you trust can help end bullying. It can also send the message that bullying is wrong.

Be strong!
Love Big Sis

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