By Iyabo Osagiede
I do not always like to talk about online issues. But when something is hurting people badly, we must speak up.
Bullying today is becoming very serious in Nigeria, especially on social media.
People are mocked because of their skin colour, height, body size, teeth or health condition.
These are things people cannot change. No one chooses how tall or short they are. No child chooses to be born with a condition. What hurts the most is when children are bullied.
A painful example is the daughter of Nigerian comedian Nkubi ( Soromtochukwu).
Because she lives with dwarfism, some people insulted her online and called her terrible names. That little girl will grow up one day and see those comments.
We should all know that words can damage a child’s confidence for life.
Some of the comments directed at this little Sorom baby are attached to this write up. Check them and see for yourself.
Are these comments good? When this child grows up and reads them, will she be happy knowing fully she did not create herself?
Enough is enough. Sotom bullying must stop and by extension, bullying against every child must stop.
Bullying is not a joke. It can destroy lives. Around the world, some victims of cyberbullying became so depressed that they ended their lives.
Canadian teenager Amanda Todd died after long online harassment. Japanese wrestler Hana Kimura also died by suicide after severe online attacks.
These stories show how dangerous bullying can be.Nigeria has also faced painful cases.
The death of student Sylvester Oromoni brought national attention to bullying among young people.
Whether physical or online, bullying causes deep harm.
Let’s ask ourselves:
Why do people enjoy insulting others?
Why do we laugh at people’s pain?
Why do we turn cruelty into entertainment?
Words are powerful. They can build a person or break a person.
Let us not use our words to destroy lives.
Let Nigeria be known for compassion, not cruelty.
Join me #soromtochukwubullyingmuststopnow!
