Jesy Nelson from Little Mix- effects of Online Trolling
10th September 2019
This week Jesy Nelson from Little Mix has bravely opened up about her battles with online trolling, negative comments and online abuse. When Jesy was chosen to be a member of the now huge girl band Little Mix she was greeted with some extremely nasty comments, one man even said ‘You are the ugliest thing I’ve seen in my life, you do not deserve to be in this girl band. You deserve to die’.” This is heartbreaking and it is so sad to see that people can say such horrible things. Looking at Jesy on screen she is a beautiful, successful pop star with lots of fame and nice things but the reality is behind all of this was this huge battle with her mental health, body image, and emotional abuse that she was receiving on social media. A battle that sadly resulted in an attempt to take her own life.
THINK BEFORE YOU POST
We do not know how someone may be feeling or what they are battling with so please think before you post. Is your comment kind? does it need to be said? how might it make the other person feel? If they are low or depressed, your comments may make them feel even worse. Instead of posting negative comments online try and post positive ones-give someone a compliment or simply just be kind. If you feel upset or angry with someone or have a negative opinion of them then social media is not the way to show that- talk to someone about how you feel or write down your frustrations.
GETTING HELP AND SUPPORT
Jesy has bravely started the conversation about the struggles she experienced with online trolls and the negative comments she received from people, she has shared this as she wants to raise awareness about how these type of nasty comments can effect someone. Jesy has received help and support and as a result has come out stronger, however has been very honest about how she still struggles with confidence and self-esteem and also posts pictures hoping for likes and other peoples approval. Our page on Body Image and Social Media highlights how important it is to be happy within yourself and also gives ideas on how to improve your self-esteem and confidence. There is lots of help and support available and it is important you talk to someone if you are struggling with similar feelings. You can talk to a friend, a trusted adult within school or family member. You can speak to a Childline counsellor (0800 11 11) or visit www.childline.org to speak to a counsellor online, there is also lots of information on our website under the Mental Health section on ways of dealing with anxiety and improving your self-esteem.
Jesy will be talking about her experience with online abuse in a documentary called ‘Odd One Out’ on Thursday 12th of September. Follow the link to find out more
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/919c481a-882c-44d7-826f-5e6a25537543
Leave a comment below and tell us about your thoughts/feelings around Jesy’s experience, or your thoughts around the importance of good self-esteem and being nice on social media! Leave a comment encouraging others to be kind and realise how much words can effect someone.
