X-Factor star calls for action against online bullying
2010 X-Factor finalist Cher Lloyd has spoken up about her experiences of online bullying since being in the public eye.
The ‘Swagger Jagger’ singer’s comments come after she received a ‘tweet’ which threatened to kill her mother in front of her.
Cher has since spoken to BBC Newsbeat about how she feels it is disgusting that so little is being done about online bullying and she hopes to see more done about it in the future.
Despite what Cher’s critics describe as a ‘bolshy on stage personality’, the 18 year old revealed that she often struggles to cope with all of the negative comments and abuse.
Cher told BBC Newsbeat that if someone shouts something disrespectful to either her or her family in the street, she tends to wait till she get’s home before she shuts the door and has a cry.
‘It’s strange because I think, would these people be big enough and strong enough to come up to me and say these hurtful things?
‘Because I’ve got the idea that they actually wouldn’t. They would never, ever say that to my face.’ She said.
Cher also added that whilst she is able to take some of these comments on the chin, there are other young people out there who won’t be able to handle it and could fall victim to bullies who are hiding behind their computers.
When asked whose responsibility it was to intervene, Cher said she believes the government should take some responsibility.
If you are the victim of bullying, or indeed if you are a bully yourself, you may find that talking to someone who is impartial may be able to help. A counsellor or psychotherapist could help you to overcome issues such as low self-esteem, trust and confidence issues and could help you to implement some positive change in your life. If this sounds like something that may interest you please visit our fact-sheet on bullying or contact a counsellor in your local area using the search tool located on the homepage of this site.
View the original Metro article.