I've said it several times, but this particular thread is pushing everyone's buttons worse than anything I've seen in a while. I suppose it ties into our relative experiences with bullies (as children and parents). I'm sympathetic to parents of bullied children, and I obviously believe bullying is a problem. I also believe pre-teens being subject to the social pressure-cooker of being on the internet 24/7 is a problem, one I don't know how to fix. But I believe this situation involves the following:
One girl (Rebecca) whose home life was apparently awful, who had absolutely no one, and who was probably in a downward spiral that the bully picked up on--that's what bullies do, find weakness and exploit it.
One girl (Shaw) who was the ringleader, who apparently came up in family of bullies (see neighbor comments and her stepmother recently being arrested for assaulting a child). Based on her FB comments, she may well have the makings of a sociopath. I don't know what the solution is, but getting her away from social media and other kids is a good first step.
One girl (Katelyn) who is also from a troubled home, said she was abused by her stepfather BEFORE ANY OF THIS HAPPENED OR BAEZ WAS INVOLVED (youtube video predates any of these events), whom Judd said was turned against Rebecca by Shaw, and whom Judd said expressed remorse. I do not believe she is a sociopath and I believe she is already living through the worst punishment she deserves. I'm worried about her being basically on house arrest with her stepfather. I believe she can be rehabilitated and will not benefit by hatred being thrown at her due to her association with Baez (I suspect the fact that her parents even went there is a sign of how bad her family life is).
There were probably other kids involved, either via pack mentality or due to being afraid of being the next bully victim. I suspect this scenario has (hopefully) put some sense into at least a few of them.
I DON'T have a strong opinion on Rebecca's responsibility level for her own death. I can see both sides. I tend towards NOT morally equating the bullying with murder. She chose to jump. And apparently the justice system agrees with me, as the girls were not charged with murder. But I also agree with Grady that the bullying was probably on the list of things that ultimately broke her. And saying that I don't equate it with murder doesn't mean I give anyone a 'pass' or don't think that Shaw, at least, should face real charges.
So these are my opinions--but please understand that I am not setting out to offend anyone with them. My background influences are 1) followed this case from day one/before it blew up; 2) was the 'bullied' in school but was not left with lasting damage; 3) do not have kids; 4) do think cyberbullying is a serious, serious problem...and one that only adults can effectively prevent. (Be they parents, law enforcement, social media owners, teachers, etc.)
Tossing a bunch of kids into unmonitored 24/7 online interaction...unfortunately it really is going to turn into Lord of the Flies. Kids have terrible judgement. That's why they're kids and still live at home.
Especially when I realized they were here only for this case. #scrollon
