Activist to Cyber Bully Victims: You Deserve Better!

Inspired by Little Neck resident Rachel Mayo, a bill to combat cyber bullying was signed into law yesterday by Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

The new law mandates the raising of awareness through education in public schools.

Mayo, who was bullied on Instant Messenger as a teen and has worked with victims of cyber bullying through her university, is no stranger to the growing trend.

“I wanted to do something for people I feel passionate about,” said Mayo.

About half of young people have experienced some form of cyber bullying, and 10 to 20 percent experience it regularly, according to BullyingStatistics.org.

The harassment occurs through the exchange of digital communication, such as emails, wall posts, texts and IMs. 

Many young people are silent when they become victims of cyber bullying because the harassment occurs through mediums that often have no system of recourse or dispute resolution, Mayo said.

Prevention will be the main tool to combat the epidemic, Councilman Mark Weprin, D-Oakland Gardens, said.

The bill authorizes the New York City Human Rights Commission to conduct education on cyber bullying at schools, libraries and government agencies. In addition to deterring harassment, the program will assist young people in recognizing cyber bullying to ensure that it is addressed before it is too late.

When asked if she had advice for victims of cyber bullying, Mayo said, “You have to stand up for yourself, you have to speak out and be your own advocate.”