Social media abuse does not discriminate - it affects people of all ages - the YEP says

“I felt suicidal and didn’t want to be around anymore”.
Today a supervisor at Leeds Childline centre warns that the lives of thousands of young people in our region are being devastated by online abuse. Picture posed by model. Picture: ShutterstockToday a supervisor at Leeds Childline centre warns that the lives of thousands of young people in our region are being devastated by online abuse. Picture posed by model. Picture: Shutterstock
Today a supervisor at Leeds Childline centre warns that the lives of thousands of young people in our region are being devastated by online abuse. Picture posed by model. Picture: Shutterstock

These heartbreaking words come from a teenage girl after she became the victim of a campaign of abuse on social media.

After a small argument Emma, whose real identity has been protected, was horrified to find out her so-called friend had set up a social media group cruelly named ‘We Wish Emma dead’.

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As the abuse snowballed, Emma became so low that she had suicidal thoughts.

But sadly Emma isn’t alone in her suffering.

Today a supervisor at Leeds Childline centre warns that the lives of thousands of young people in our region are being devastated by online abuse.

The Yorkshire base, run by the NSPCC, delivers thousands of online counselling sessions to victims of cyberbullying.

And for many young people there is nowhere to hide as the last six months has seen their key social space move online.

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Abuse does not discriminate - it affects all ages - it has to stop. We must Call It Out.A message from the Editor:

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