This month, the “Take Charge of Your Health Today” page focuses on bullying. Erricka Hager, health advocate at the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, and Esther L. Bush, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, discussed this critically important topic.
EB: I’m so pleased that we are finally addressing the issue of bullying, Erricka. I know this topic resonates with you because you’re raising a young family. Although the concept of bullying isn’t old, it has evolved somewhat with the creation of the Internet and social media.
EH: Yes, Ms. Bush. My son is getting close to the age when he will begin to interact with his peers on social media. I’m in a unique position because social media has evolved during my adult years. However, I’m still somewhat out of touch with the vast number of available platforms and apps. This area of technology is constantly changing. It’s hard for anyone to stay up-to-date. Many social media platforms are successful because of adolescents.
EB: I agree, Erricka. I admit I’m unfamiliar with many of these new apps myself. With so many people being connected via social media, the face of bullying is changing. Sometimes you may not even know whose “face” is really behind a screen.
EH: That’s true. It can be difficult for parents to monitor their children’s online activities. Another part of this is through TV. Parents and caregivers like me are being exposed to new forms of bullying, as seen in the series 13 Reasons Why, and are having difficult conversations with the young people in our lives. We’re seeking resources to educate them and ourselves about bullying.
EB: Absolutely. I know from reading the Courier that there have been many articles educating communities about the new face of cyberbullying, as well as what students are doing locally to fight back against cyberbullying. Although each piece had a different message, they’re all equally important to our work at the Urban League. The youths in programs under our African American Leadership Development Institute would benefit from understanding the evolution of cyberbullying and what they can do to fight back in their respective communities. I’ve also witnessed the uproar 13 Reasons Why has caused but welcome the conversations that have taken place because of this uproar.
EH: Yes, Ms. Bush. I’ve also witnessed the confusion and frustration among parents because their children have watched the Netflix series. I agree that community conversations are needed. As the Courier has stated, bullying is changing and is starting to affect all races. The Urban League’s Health Education Office (HEO) could be a great resource for both parents and youths to access information and resources about bullying. The HEO can connect youths and parents to Pitt researchers who are conducting research about social media and its connection to mental health. The HEO can also assist with referrals to various community organizations that specialize in mental health services. Either way, the HEO is available to offer any support and local resources.
EB: I second that! Thanks for having this chat with me, Erricka. These conversations are hard to have, but we must not shy away from them. Bullying and cyberbullying affect so many people. The effects cannot be ignored. I know our research partners at Pitt and around the country are working hard to understand how, why and where it happens so it can be prevented. I look forward to chatting with you next month. Until then, happy holidays!
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