UNL panel addresses cyber bullying issues

January 28, 2015 11:13 pm

Posted By: Reid Kilmer

Cyber bullying is becoming more common with activity on social media and the threats and messages happen to people of all ages. Messages, tweets, pictures and texts can become mean spirited attacks spiraling into serious results.

In Lincoln, there’s individuals fighting against it. Jason Lucht, a social services worker, is one of them.

“I’m here to give a voice to the LGBTQ community,” Lucht said. “Between cyber bullying and suicide prevention, bullying doesn’t always lead to suicide but there’s an increased risk there.”

People filed into a UNL auditorium Wednesday to learn more information on cyber bullying and it’s effects.

“Different methods might not work but giving children hope allows them to push through the bullying and provide them a safe space,” Lucht said.

According to bullyingstatistics.org, one in three young people have experienced cyber threats online.

On the Lincoln campus, police are trying to stop it at the collegiate level.

“Its hard to keep up with social media apps,” Chief Yardley said. “It can be directed to an event or group of people.”

A member of the audience says these type of events are good for the community.

“I think its really important, because of how central this issue is in the media, for audiences to hear what we’re doing in the lab in a way that they can understand,” the UNL student said.

If anyone is concerned about suicide you are urged to contact the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255.