On Thursday, January 2, 2014, a 14-year-old Viviana Aguirre took her own life after announcing it on her Facebook page. The reason? Cyberbullying.
Just like her mother, Cynthia Sanchez, who has been bullied for years both online and offline, Viviana has been tormented by her group of peers for a prolonged period of time. Although Viviana was suffering from depression, her family said they still did not expect the suicide.
“A lot of times she was just called names, but these last couple of times she was told how to kill herself and what she should do,” Cynthia Sanchez commented.
“I hope they learn, and I hope they’re guilty for what they did and they are not in denial,” Viviana’s cousin Albert Fernandez told KFOX14 News.
Through this incident, Viviana’s family hopes that the community deals with cyberbullying more seriously. State Representative Joe Pickett(D-El Paso) commented that although the Texas Legislature will be discussing possible laws against cyberbullying in the future, the state needs to come up with a definition of what cyberbullying is, and ways to prove how one is cyberbullying another.
The sad story of Viviana illustrates the often-occuring “snowball” effect of cyberbullying. Although the bullying started with simple name callings, it eventually evolved into a girl taking her own life. In every step of the way, it is imperative for us to recognize that cyberbullying is a serious issue in this technological society where our online and offline identity are often merged, and look for ways to prevent it from happening to our loved ones.
More About ETCB:
The End to Cyber Bullying Organization is the world’s number one source for up-to-date cyberbullying information, news, legislature, and prevention tips. ETCB is instantly accessible online, and phone assistance by certified and professional cyberbullying counselors is available to any inquiring individuals. Highlighting cyberbullying as a leading issue in today’s technological society and raising awarenss throughout the web and throughout communities is the first and primary step to putting an end to cyberbullying.
A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, ETCB is an international cyberbullying awareness campaign that has united over 4.5 million individuals internationally. Youth initiatives have started up in not only the fifty states, but also in nations such as China and the UK. Partnering with other organizations, such as the Girl Scouts of USA, and Sears Anti-Bullying Coalition, has enabled us to outreach even further. All of the money raised has been utilized to continue expanding ETCB, helping to increase our impact. Most importantly, we are grateful to have comforted and served thousands of cyberbullying victims of all ages. Future victims no longer need to feel as isolated and helpless as I once did.
Making a gift to End to Cyber Bullying is giving the gift of hope and perseverance to millions of cyberbullied children, teenagers, and even adults around the world. Your gift is tax deductible.
Your donation helps to support End to Cyber Bullying to continue providing cyberbullying relief efforts, prevention workshops, and leadership and empowerment programs. Donate today.
