Cyberbullying

What is cyberbullying?

The definition of cyberbullying according to the Oxford Dictionary is the use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or of a threatening nature. This can be done by a child or teenager however when it comes to an adult this is classed as stalking and other extreme measures. Using digital devices to bully someone it said to be an easier form of bullying which is said by 81% of teenagers, this is because usually the person that is bullying someone is timid or found out before it is late. 

Facts of cyberbullying

It is believed that 43% of children have ONCE been bullied online in their lives with this high percentage only 10% of these children will confide in their parents/carers about the ordeal that they have been through. The case of cyberbullying has increased as the years have gone on, in this modern society it is easy to find people that you are looking for through websites such as FaceBook, Twitter and Skype. FaceBook allows individuals to communicate by posting on others walls, sending others messages and through FaceBook chat which allows individuals to communicate without being requested as friends. Twitter allows individuals to communicating by 'tweeting' others which publicly allows those that are your 'followers' to view what you're saying to others and also messages can be sent by direct messages for any private conversations. By bullying someone this can affect their emotional and mental state as this affects their welfare as it occurs on a daily basis. 

Negative effects of cyberbullying

As said in the definition of what cyberbullying is, it is also when a child or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child or teen using the internet, digital technologies or mobile phones. A negative effect of cyberbullying is suicide. Suicide is the THIRD leading death among young people, it is estimated that 4,400 deaths per year are from suicide and it is due to the effects of cyberbullying. Children between the ages of 10-14 years old are said to be at a high risk of committing suicide as the consequence of a negative effects of cyberbullying. 

Laws

At the moment, there are NO laws against cyberbullying however, it can be categorised under these laws- Protection from Harassment Act 1997 and The Malicious Communications Act 1988. This type of bullying can never be deemed as correct however in some cases there is a condition called Xenophobia which means that someone has an unreasonable distrust or hatred of strangers, foreigners or anything that is perceived to be foreign or different. Personally, I think that this 'condition' gives others the advantage to abuse this and torment others. This being said I have never met someone that has this condition so I cannot take full judgement on what I have read until I have seen a person that has this condition and how they behave around others. 

Overall, in this modern age the amount of victim towards cyberbullying is vastly increasing and it seems like the government are not doing anything to help this. I think that a law should come out to stop this behaviour carrying on because it not only affects one person, it infests in their mind. They are constantly paranoid thinking that each person that they pass on the street could be the person that is bullying them or that one of their loved ones could be doing it. As this paranoia grows it begins to feed off the person almost like it possess them because it is ALL they think about, the just want a simple way out and for the person this may well be by ending their life which for them seems like it is over but in fact it is letting the bully win. The best way to deal with it is to TALK to someone. It doesn't have to be a professional but someone you trust, I'd like to believe that no matter how hard life gets you'll always have someone there for you. 

For more information about cyberbullying visit- http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/

Celebrity Endorsement

Since, I haven't posted something in a while I thought that I should post about something that was on my mind. Speaking from a teenagers point of view, here is my intake on what media and celebrities make others feel.

Back in the day, the pressure from celebrities wasn't as beneficial as it is now. Those times, being young I suppose I wasn't aware of what things meant, for example, listening to certain songs now and understanding what the lyrics are actually saying has made me think twice about singing songs out loud at home. The media has portrayed having role models as something that is essential especially for young girls, now girls are suppose to have that one celebrity that they look up to and someone who they 'follow' to become like them. Well, I say that the only role model I have is my mum. My mother has been through so much to bring up my siblings and to make that is a true role model and I just hope that when I have children that I can give my children the love and kindness that I received from my mum.

In this modern society, there are celebrities like Rihanna and Kanye West that children are supposed to admire and aim to be like. Now, I'm not slating these celebrities as thats not the aim of this piece. The image that Rihanna portrays herself to be isn't the type of image that young children shouldn't be looking up to. Children need stability and the liberal endorsement of sex is creating a world full of teenage mothers and increasingly welfare dependent parents. The lyrics that Rihanna sings tends to encourage this world of sex and not taking responsibility of their actions. In all due respect I think that this type of music should only be shared after 9 o'clock as this will be after the watershed.  This could impact society today.

Furthermore, I think that boys don't have enough role models that are respected in society today. Most boys want to be professional footballers because it is seen as being easier but when you truly think about it, what role models are there out there for young boys? The only role model that comes to mind is Lord Sugar. He sets the image of someone that has worked hard to get where he is today and has never taken no for an answer. He has shown initiative and has always strived to be the best which is something that boys should look up to and try and better themselves for.

Conversion Therapy

Conversion therapy is a pseudo-scientific method that aims to change one's sexual orientation. This method is being used in the USA as a way of changing homosexuality. It is based upon the assumption that homosexuality is a mental disorder and that one can 'snap out' of being a homosexual. Which brings me to question is homosexuality something that can be cured?

For many years, society have astonished by homosexuals and have frowned upon that decided to 'come out'. I think the reason why individuals find it difficult to 'come out' is that they are worried that friends or family won't accept them. So if the people they love can't accept them they feel that society wouldn't accept them either.

Last night there was a documentary about conversion therapy. The documentary was filmed in America, where a journalist followed some men on their journey of converting from homosexuals to heterosexual. The path was difficult for some and they had to see a therapist or go to camp so that they could defeat their demons, these demons included watching gay porn regularly or fantasizing about men.There was one man that really opened my eyes about the situation, he concluded that conversion therapy should not be allowed for those under 18 and that if you are gay then you should accept it and not change this to please other people.

Personally, I am against the whole conversion therapy treatment and that it can work. If anyone has been through the process then I am up for a discussion about how it worked and changed your life but I just don't see how you are a homosexual one year then the next you are straight (of course it doesn't work like this). I have nothing against homosexuals but the way I see it, is you cannot flick a switch on your emotions whatever sexuality you are, you should embrace it and accept that it is a part of you.

Amy McLean

Amy McLean talks about living with an eating disorder, David Tennant and becoming a journalist.








 For those that don't know you, how would you best describe yourself and your work? 
Adventurous. I like to dip my toe in a variety of waters. I'm always up for trying something new, something different, so like to branch out as much as possible. As long as I am writing, and am absorbed in the world of entertainment in some way, I am happy.

 How was life like for you, growing up? 
I was a child of the 90s - I think it's safe to say that they were the simpler times (granted, children of the decades that preceded it will likely argue otherwise!). I'm not sure whether or not this was how I felt at the time, but in hindsight I can see that I was blessed with quite a lovely childhood. Despite being a child of what society likes to label as a 'broken home', I never wanted for anything. I do think my ability to lose myself in books and television played a part in my contentment!

What was life like dealing with an eating disorder?
Painful. Eating Disorders, in their severity, ruin lives. I was fifteen when I was diagnosed with Anorexia, and hospitalisation over the Christmas of 2007 came as a bit of a wake up call. The months both before and after this were harrowing; they were filled with copious amounts of self-loathing, aggravation, and the creation of spirit-crushing memories. However, I do think that suffering from such an illness has, at the end of the day, allowed me to develop into a much stronger person that I was before. The way I think of it is, what is life without experience? If we sail through life peacefully with no hurdles, it allows for little room to grow.

Living with an eating disorder controls your life. How did you manage to overcome it?
I will be honest here; it still controls me. There's not a day that I wake up and don't contemplate the day's menu. How am I going to get away with not eating today? Do I feel like I can cope with another binge? Why do I have to be like this? Etc. As far as I can see, it is something that will maintain its place at the forefront of my mind for the foreseeable future. It's been my life for six years. I can't really remember an alternative way of thinking.

What inspired you to become a TV critic?
This is a very interesting question, that does leave me a little baffled! I don't find idolisaiton in any specific critics; my inspirations come from those more akin to presenting and broadcasting: Andrea McLean, Ellie Crisell. I was seven years old when I decided I wanted to become a TV presenter, and ten when I realised my route was Journalism. Over the years, I've become more in favour of entertainment journalism, with which comes my love of TV (and theatre) critique. 

If you could be in any programme what would it be and why?
Loose Women! Back in 2007 I fell in love with the show, and made the decision that, one day, I would find myself seated behind that desk. It was also the show that partly allowed me to clamber out of the severities of my Anorexia, by providing me with a strong career goal that meant more to me than 'becoming thin'. I'm not fussy here - I don't mind whether I become the show's anchor, a regular panellist, a guest panellist, or even just a guest! Of course, the more involvement I would have with the show the better, but at the end of the day, simply being able to say "I was on Loose Women!" would allow me to cross off one of my two greatest career aims.

What motivates you to carry on?
My career. I realise that if I don't power through with the challenges and obstacles that life frequently throws at me, I'll never get to where I want to be. I just tell myself, "If I can just get through this day, I will be one day closer to reaching the heights I'm stretching for." My passion for my career has been my rock.

How did you know what you wanted to be?
It was Blue Peter which initially attracted me to Television; Konnie Huq looked like she had so much fun presenting the show, and I knew straight away that it was something I wanted to do. Of course, at the time I never contemplated the hard work that comes with such a career, but my dedication to grafting has nicely fallen into place over the years without having to really think about it. My need to write was realised after a journalist from the Evening Express visited my class in primary school. The way Scott Begbie talked about his job allowed me to understand that a career that combined my love of writing with my love of Television was the best way forward. And from that moment, I've never looked back.

Who would be your ultimate celebrity husband and why?
Ha! That's a very good question. I'm inclined to say David Tennant, having been besotted with his Scottish beauty since Christmas Day 2005! Of course, he's taken now, which really does lessen my chances! 

Do you have any advice for those that do reviews?  
Be fair, be honest; say what you think. Don't hold back with your views. However, remember that there is no need to be bitter towards a particular show or actor just for the sake of it. There's having a vaild comment, and then there's passing judgement just to be cruel. There's one particular 'critic', who will remain unnamed, who seems to attack everything and everybody with vulgarity just to make people feel bad. Explore different genres to gain a wider understanding. This will also provide you with valuable information that you can draw into your reviews. Cultural awareness is important too. The more background information you have on a particular subject, the more you can connect with and relate to it, the more you will find that you have to say. Most importantly, enjoy sharing your views with others! If you do not find enjoyment in writing the review (or recording the video if done in that format), then it is very unlikely that others will care to listen to what you have to say! Reviewing entertainment takes a lot of effort, but it is so very rewarding.

To ask Amy your own questions you can follow her blog: http://www.mcleanamy.blogspot.co.uk/ you can look at the reviews she has made by visiting: http://www.youtube.com/tvcriticamy/ or you can tweet her on: @McLeanAmy.

Samantha Brick Strikes Again

Today, the jouranlist Samantha Brick has revealed taht she regularly checks her husbands phone, emails and voicemails. In her account the reason for this is to make sure that her husband isn't receiving any unwanted female attention.

You would think that her husband must be a ladies man for Samantha to even think like this, however, he is the complete opposite. Personally, I haven't met him myself but from how Samantha has described him he is a typical man that works hard to provide for his family and has no time for modern technology as he doesn't have the slightest clue on how to use the devices.

Samantha says that she trusts her husband completely, but she is fearful of other women and their intentions towards her husband. However, surely Samantha is contradicting herself here, how can she claim to trust her husband 100% but still snoop through his personal things? To me, it doesn't make sense because the way I see it is this- marriage is about trust and commitment. Where two people who love each other and want to spend the rest of their lives together are able to trust each other.

One man that Samantha mentions as to why she checks her husbands phone is because of the scandal between Vernon Kay and his series of sext messages with a model he met in a night club. This being something that happened two years ago is still being dragged up now and I am sure that Vernon and Tess have moved on and began to rebuild that trust.

For Sam, she says how it all begins witha simple chat on a social networking site- a 'poke' on FaceBook or Retweet on Twitter to begin an affair. This could be the case for some people, but that doesn't go to say that people on social networking sites are the cause of affairs. I disgaree with the way that Samantha has placed the blame on women. It takes two to tango. So while a woman may be doing all the flirting, it doesn't take a lot for a man to resist temptation and discredit the remarks that she is making.

I have nothing against Samantha Brick as I am not one to judge her but I just think that she needs to produce stronger articles that people can read and relate to.

GCSE To O-Levels

There has been speculation in the media about the education system changing and how the standard GCSE'S are changing into O-levels as they have become easy for students to pass and they think that O-Levels would be a better way to challenge and stimulate students minds. Personally, I think that changing GCSE'S to O-Levls is a ridicule thing to do, being a teenager myself I know how hard it was going through the stress leading up to my final GCSE exams.

Schools are great in preparing students for their exams as they know how important they are however with O-Levels they are much harder to achieve than GCSE'S. Some students already find the whole dynamics of GCSE'S tough, so why would anyone want to put young students under more strain of passing these life changing exams? It just doesn't make any sense to how this is going to help young students in achieveing the best results possible.

What with the economic defall it's hard enough finding a job that pays a reasonable amount, now with the hardship of O-Levels where does the leave future generations in finding a job? Children should not be defined by letters on a piece of paper, they should be given the chance to prove themselves and how people what they are made of. Society is too fixated on classes and trends that if one is unique they are seen as 'weird' or a 'freak' because they stand out from the crowd. I believe that if someone has a dream, then grades shouldn't stand in the way of that they should chase what they believe in.

Jay-J Garrett

Jay-J Garrett talks about his father, finding £100,000 and role models.

How does it feel to have Benedict as your father? 

It's pretty cool I enjoy living with him were not gay as many people would think and I don't get involved with his porn work. We have a strict father and son relationship. I haven't actually had a proper father figure in my life so I look up to dad a lot and he's always there for me when I need to talk about stuff or if I need help, I know I can always talk to him about anything and I know he will always be there for me when I need him.

What is it about Benedict that makes him such a good dad? 

Well, he's young he's only 32 years old and he used to teach teenagers my age at school so he understands how it is to be a teenager. He does like to have fun he's pretty funny, he's accents and impressions are just ace. He's also open minded so he's not quick to judge people. He's understanding and educated. He's young as I say so he's not a boring old man! My mates love talking to him about their problems and he's always up for a laugh with them.

How do you feel about your dads profession? 

I'm not fazed with what he does. My mates think it's cool, he's never done any porn at home so it's ok, I've never seen him in a porn film. If he is editing a video or is doing anything to do with porn in his bedroom then he let's me know and tells me if I do want to come talk to him then to knock on the door and I have done some times do he's turned the screen on the computer and then let's me in his room. The only thing I don't like about it is when people assume me and dad are gay. We're not, we just have a really strong father and son relationship.

As Benedict is in the Big Brother house, what do you think he would bring to the house? 

I think he's going to bring in a lot of excitement and knowledge, he's going to keep himself to himself and stay true to himself. I think if he does like anyone and does gain trust and a friendship then he will stick up for them. I think he will be a little mischievous. I also think he's going to keep a little discipline and he may act a little like a teacher if the other house mates and not behaving well but I think he's going to do well, the only thing that I think will go against him is his age, he's the oldest house member there so that could be something but apart from that I think he's got a really good chance of winning. 

How do you deal with negative criticism about your dad? 

I have had negative criticism since my dads been on the show, I have had people trying to send me nude pictures of my dad. I have never seen my dad naked and don't want to! But with what people have been saying on Twitter I have gave them a warning which normally is enough then they don't mention or send me anything that I don't want them to but if they ignore the second warning then they get blocked and on BlackBerry Messenger I just block and delete but overall I have had a lot of positive messages sent to me and I think all the fans out there are amazing. 

If you found £100,000 what would the first thing you would spend it on and why? 

Well, if I found that much money I would probably hand it in and get a reward I doubt I'd want to send it if someone has lost it! But if I could keep it or had that much amount of money I would probably spend it on taking my dad on holiday and buying him a new house and car or just give it all to him as a way of saying thank you for everything he has done for me since I have moved in with him and thanks for being a dad not just a foster dad but a proper dad and actually being there for me.

Do you consider your dad as a role model, if so why? 

Yes I do, he's an amazing person, he's kind, he can never say no, he's always there for me and his friends. he's really intelligent, he's a role model to loads of people around the world, he's a role model to kids at school. He's not a person to easily get frustrated, he's not one to give up he's always positive and he has given me so much confidence to do what I want in life. He's always backed me whenever I needed to do something- living with him I really believe I can do whatever I want in life and living with my real parents I didn't have that boost.

Do you think that Benedict will find it hard being away from you- especially as today is fathers day? 

I think so, I miss him loads. We spend loads of time together whenever he has to go away for a couple of weeks or days, when he comes back we always go out. I did try to get a message to him  just saying happy fathers day but unfortunately I couldn't do so that sucks.