Some messages are from charities, I will always make time to post for them and will usually discuss with them how Spotted or any of the other pages I am involved in maybe able to help.
I also get messages from people asking for advice. Now, I know from previous experience (Remember the 'old' Spotted days?) that these do not fare well on the page. As with any page, we get 'trolls' and the posts usually got removed. This sometimes happens now, although it's usually nothing more than banter between adults (Where appropriate, I will message the person and ask if they would like the whole status/comments removed. Usually they don't) Occasionally people are banned (The main reason for this has been racist or homophobic comments or insulting people using profanities) I don't always see every comment, the page is very time consuming and of course, I have to do my 'real' job along side spotted as I make no money from the page (Although, the way people speak to me sometimes you'd think it was my full time paying job. Some people don't appreciate that I do this all in my 'spare' time)
Anyway, back to the people wanting advice... I will always reply. I will direct them to the right people - Samaritans, childline, social services, the police etc. Obviously I won't disclose on here the details of messages I have received but what you see on the page is only some of the messages I get sent.
People often message about other peoples actions and the effects they have had on them... Sometimes positive, sometimes negative. And this brings me onto bullying. And a name, I am sure most, if not all of you will know - Izzy Dix. If you haven't heard of Izzy, she very sadly took her own life at just 14 years old due to bullying at both school and online.
It literally makes me sick to the stomach that a human could taunt and relentlessly bully another to the point where they feel that life is no longer worth living.
Spotted have been discussing ways in which we can raise awareness with Izzy Dix anti bullying memorial page (This is the official memorial page for Izzy) They currently have a petition View here that requires more signatures. It asks for Ask.fm to be shut down. Why? Ask.fm allows people to post anonymously, meaning it gives them a platform for cyberbullying.
Is Spotted slightly hypocritical here? I don't think so, I read every message prior to posting. Spotted cannot be used to target individuals/groups.... The fact that you can message and have it posted anonymously means that if anyone mocks/posts negative comments about the post - no one knows who posted it. All comments on the page are from peoples own accounts, they cannot remain anonymous, fake accounts are quickly blocked from the page.
If you are being bullied or know someone who is, you can find support here -
Childline
National bullying helpline
Izzy Dix - Rest in peace
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