Technological advances have allowed the world to be at our fingertips as social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Vine have made it easy for people to contact others immediately and directly.

But the messages, pictures, and videos being sent are not all positive.  Social media sites have become an outlet for bullies to send hateful things to others for all to see, and in Fluvanna, bullying is becoming an increasing problem.  “Media is definitely the largest part because bullies like to have an audience, and online, everyone can see,” said Fluvanna High School Resource Officer Tim Shiflett.

One incident that recently took place shows the sudden increase and effects of cyber bullying.   A junior was making a presentation in class when two of her classmates filmed her talking and posted the videos on Vine (a video-posting site).  They both captioned the videos with obscenities and criticisms of the girl’s presentation.  “I was so upset when I saw the videos because I didn’t even know the girls and it was up for everyone to see,” said the victim.

While few students think of themselves as bullies, the state of Virginia defines bullying as “When a stronger or more dominant person repeatedly hurts, threatens, or torments a more vulnerable one.”  Certainly puts a different spin on what many people post online, doesn’t it?

“Long ago, you could point out who the bullies were.  They were the bigger, stronger person pushing around people smaller than them.  Now, a bully is like an animal that is always changing its stripes making them harder to identify,” said Shiflett.  Today’s bullies could be anyone, he said.

Shiflett has become a big advocate for the termination of bullying in our district.  He often gives presentations to the school board and parents to inform them of bullying laws and how to prevent it.  He recently encouraged FCHS Assistant Principal Jason Lee to add “Help stop bullying today by being someone’s hero” to the morning announcements.

Assistant Principal Margo Bruce has dealt with bullying issues in the school.  “Students don’t realize how their words can affect people you never know what is on a person’s mind.” she said. She thinks a key factor in helping to prevent bullying is awareness.

Bullies can get consequences if the bullying is done in school.  If bullying is done outside of school, the administration turns it over to Officer Shiflett.  But consequences alone will not completely stomp out bullying.  Parents, students, and the community need to rally together, be heros, and stop bullying.  So think twice before you post.