In the wake of recent suicides in Ireland, we have seen an unprecedented amount of activity on Facebook after the bully victim has taken their own life. RIP Facebook Memorial Pages are souvenirs for people who either know the victim well or have not met the deceased but are compassionate to the surroundings of the case. It may help some families but not all. Recently Shannon Gallagher who is Erin’s sister took her life on 13th December 2012 only 6 weeks after loosing Erin. Should a RIP page be created? What do you think? Comments below please

Do People latch onto the tragedy?

But is it more to do with the situation or the person who passed? For the people that have no idea who the victim was, will comment on how “Heaven took an angel too early” because of their age and maybe less on fact how they would of known them. Its human nature, we don’t need to know the family of a bereaved one to sympathise. We try to extend our kind thoughts and prayers, as we don’t know what else we can do. It has been part of Irish society for decades, maybe centuries and it’s no different now but how we express these emotions are changing. We now have Social Media to increase our reach to more people.

723,400 Irish Youths on Facebook under 18

Facebook being the most popular of social media platforms with 723,400 Irish youths between age of 13 and 18 is where we are expressing these thoughts now. That does not include the under 13’s as Facebook rules stipulate no membership for under 13’s. But that does not hinder children to get on the site, they will add a few years maybe more to their real age to get logged on. All too much thoughts are often expressed and people’s opinions become a catalyst for a debate.

Taken from Amanda Todd’s RIP Facebook

Facebook RIP Pages

Over the past few months, I have come across YouTube and Facebook pages dedicated to people who passed away from taking their own lives. The bulk of the messages on these sites are expressing concerns over the tragedy, whilst other people are just being curious to what happened, by asking lots of details of the death. With this, people also have the ability to put their 10 pence worth in. On one such Facebook page, comments such as “Online Hoe” were describe about the person who died.

Amanda Todd RIP Facebook Page comments

Also, comments that would personally attack victims “I couldn’t dislike her ugly face ..:3” These people are not comforting with others when putting up these comments. They are looking for attention maybe out of an already delicate tragedy.

Lara Burn’s Facebook page 1 day after her death

Even more recently a young male put on a message on an RIP that he would not grieve over another suicide if it was similar to Amanda Todd’s “Amanda todd killed herself over flashing her tits, so eh, I’m not gonna mourn someone who doesn’t deserve it”. These type of comments were fuel for another Cyber Bullying attack. More and more people will retaliate with their opinions that are often vicious in their sentiment.

Ireland had 527 recorded suicides in 2011

It’s ironic that the people maybe commenting on someone who passed away by the tormenting of cyber-bullying, yet they begin a new session on the same spot. Almost like Irish society again, “Of the 527 recorded suicides in Ireland last year 75 -80% had alcohol as the main agent….yet the first place we go from the churchyard is to the pub to celebrate the life and times of our dearly departed friend….maybe it’s just me but I believe we are missing the point!!”- Martin Mc Fadden – Counsellor & manager of Friends of Bill W Donegal Town.

Exactly a good point, we go to the place where maybe been an agent of why someone took their lives. What do you think about these pages? I asked some people that question and these are comments I got

Comments from the public

“young people get very emotional…follow the pack type thing……i have seen a lot of anger on these pages too….more bullying in a a way????????/”- Mary Mc Gowan, Parent

“There is no Facebook in heaven and about time a lot of people realised that!”- Anoyomous

“Think that it just depends. If the family get comfort from the messages then I think it could be a positive thing to help the grieving process, everyone is different I suppose” – Tracey Catherine Hurst, Parent

“Another example of how distasteful society has become. . . Ppl are becoming emotionally stunted bc they are losing all real communication skills bc they can only “speak” online !!!!”- Trasa, Professional

“They often prolong the grieving process for many friends and family. Grieving, if possible, should be done in a private, personal environment within the support networks of family and close friends.” –Simon C, Student

“People have the best intentions but if they really wanted to pay respects to the family they should do it privately.” – Anon, Student

For more information & tips on Cyber Bullying & Internet Safety log on to

www.CyberSafetyAdvice.com and www.PcClean.ie

Related articles

• Should we have Facebook Memorial Pages?
• Lara Burns- Another victim to cyber-bullying
• Cyber bully hitting Donegal only weeks after Leitrim
• Difference between Bully and Cyber-Bully
• How to deactivate Facebook account to prevent CyberBullying
• Ask.FM response to recent Cyber Bully victims in NorthWest of Ireland

Are you getting cyber bullied? Here are a few tips on what steps you can take. This may also be for a friend you know. Pass this on if it will benefit any person who maybe a victim

Steps to take if you are cyber bullied

1. Don’t React or Respond
2. Take a screenshot
3. Take note of time and date it occurs.
4. Keep a record of times and dates
5. Block them from your social network or phone number
6. Stay off the phone or network
7. Tell an adult ASAP
8. Possibly tell the bully how you feel
9. Have an action plan with your parents