The Fife-raised stepmother of tragic teenage cyberbullying victim Hannah Smith has called on social media users to “think before they type”, as she told The Courier of her family’s heartbreak.
Deborah Smith wants the Government to bring in tougher legislation to protect children and young people while they are online. And she warned parents that cyberbullying was not just an “English problem”.
She said:”The tragic thing is it can happen in your own home.”
Speaking from her home in Leicestershire, Deborah, 42, spoke to The Courier less than a fortnight after her 14 year-old stepdaughter Hannah was found hanged.
The teenager, from Lutterworth, Leicestershire, took her own life on August 2, having received abusive messages when she posted on the site Ask.fm.
Deborah said: “My message to young people and any users of social media is to please think before you type. If you wouldn’t want it said to you then please do not say it to another person.
“Words can cut deep. Young people do listen to their peers and nasty comments do have a significant impact.
“My message to kids is if you experience online bullying then don’t bottle it up. Speak to a parent or teacher.
“There are also confidential bullying helplines. Never suffer in silence.”
Deborah lived in Leven, Methil, Windygates and St Monans before meeting Hannah’s father Dave through a mutual friend and moving to Leicestershire in 2000.