Tara Jeffrey
Sarnia Speaks returns this week with a conversation about cyberbullying.
“It’s something that I don’t really see talked about a lot,” said organizer Danielle Catton. “We often think cyberbullying is only a problem for youth, but this is something happening to people of all ages.”
Catton is a well-known mental health advocate and founder of the successful grassroots dialogue series. She has also garnered a significant following through her own social media, namely her Instagram account, Danielle is Anxious.
There, Catton shares honest and candid posts about her own struggles, from bipolar disorder to body positivity.
“As someone who shares my story and my journey quite often, I connect with others who do the same thing,” she said. “So after experiencing some really terrible online abuse myself, and having conversations with other folks in the community who have gone through the same thing, it just made sense that this was a topic that we should discuss.
“We are all so connected on social media these days; it’s such a big part of everything we do,” she continued.
“And I think that’s wonderful. But it’s also easier for people to say things they wouldn’t necessarily say in real life.”
Catton has invited a pair of guest speakers — Heather Lapier and Lindsay Kirkland — to sit on the panel at the Feb. 27 event at the Sarnia Library.
Both women have been victims of online abuse and will tell their personal stories.
“It’s important to share the stories of people who have been affected by this, because it’s becoming more prevalent in our society,” said Catton.
“Remember that the people you’re saying these things to are people like you and me, with families and coworkers.
“And you don’t have to be someone with a following on Instagram to be on the receiving end of this.”
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Sarnia Speaks: Cyberbullying
WHEN: February 27, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
WHERE: Sarnia Library
DETAILS: Free and open to the public