Online cruelty, cyberbullying, cyberstalking, digital harassment, slander, Internet defamation, virtual impersonation -- the Internet has a dark side.
At Excelsior Middle School in Byron, California, a fake Facebook page was created to poke fun at a teacher. This act of deception and meanness prompted a reaction that has brought together students and teachers for a common cause by creating kindness through positive messages.
The students decided they were going to start a wave of change by creating a campaign called #iCANHELP Delete Negativity on Social Media. They call themselves the Positive Warriors.
Shortly after forming this group, a student named Jessica was a victim of peer cruelty. A hate profile page went up with vile content maligning Jessica. #iCANHELP jumped in to get the page removed and created a fan page for her, helping her to know she is not alone.
This crusade to Delete Negativity Online is spreading! According to #iCANHELP, the school-wide campaign has now spread to more than 100 schools across California.
Takeaway tips:
•Start your #iCANHELP Campaign today
•Send a positive message each day to at least one person
•Use hashtag #iCANHELP Words matters, keystrokes count, use them with care