I’ve been bullied since I was a child.
Long before social media existed. Back when it happened in classrooms and hallways. At least back then, when you went home, the noise stopped.

Now it doesn’t.

Cyber bullying follows you. It lives in your phone. It waits in notifications. It shows up in comment sections. It can be shared, screenshotted, and replayed.

And for too many young people, it becomes overwhelming.

We are losing children. Teenagers. Young adults.
Because of sustained online cruelty.

When I read stories from mothers who have lost their children after relentless harassment, the ache in their words is something you don’t forget. It is a club no parent ever wants to join.

I am part of a club I never asked to be in.

I lost my sweet Nicole.
I grieve for my girl every single day.
That is a deeper story for another time. But grief changes how you see the world. It makes you fiercely aware of how fragile young hearts can be.

When I read about children struggling under the weight of cyber bullying, I feel it deeply. I understand those mothers in a way I wish I didn’t.

So instead of asking, “Why is nothing being done?”
I want to ask a better question:

What can we start doing differently?

Because disagreement is not bullying.
Holding someone accountable is not bullying.
But targeted humiliation, harassment, threats, and coordinated cruelty? That is.

Silence protects that behavior.

We need stronger digital education.
We need parents having hard conversations about online responsibility.
We need schools taking reports seriously.
We need platforms responding faster and more consistently.
We need young people to understand that a screen does not erase consequences.

And we need adults modeling better behavior too.

This is not about blame.
It is about responsibility.

I know personally what it feels like to dread notifications. To feel your stomach tighten when your phone lights up. To sit with words someone typed casually that land heavier than they ever intended.

Words leave bruises you can’t see.
Some people carry them quietly for years.

It is time to speak up.
Not from rage.
But from resolve.

If you are struggling right now, please do not stay silent.

In Canada, you can call or text 988 for 24-hour support.
In the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

There are real people on the other end who will listen.

And if you are a parent who has lost a child, my heart is with you. If you feel comfortable, you are welcome to share your child’s name. Saying their name matters.

My daughter is Nicole, F32. 💛

Silence helps the wrong side.
So today, I’m choosing not to be silent.
But I’m also choosing to be part of the solution.

Real Talk with Shelly Rand