A YOUNG Griffith man has taken a stand against cyber bullying to stem the issue and help those subjected to online torment.
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Joel Harrison, who was subjected to bullying whilst at school, created the Helping People Going Through Cyber Bullying and out of School Facebook page with the aim of delivering information and supporting those being bullied.
"I thought about what happened to me and what I have been through with bullying and I wanted to help others," Mr Harrison said.
"I am hoping to help other people going through cyber bullying and let them know they are not alone.
"I hope to make people happy and let them know there is support.”
Though the Facebook page, which is still in its infancy, Mr Harrison shares information and posts inspirational quotes and photos to remind bully victims there is information and help available.
The 20-year-old, who was also bullied by a previous employer, wants more people to understand the dangers of bullying and take action.
"We need people to stand up against bullying at school and we need to help people going through cyber bullying as well," Mr Harrison said.
"Too many young people are [committing suicide] from getting bullied at school or online and there needs to be action.”
According to nobullying.com one in four students are bullied and over 80 per cent of those who bullied others online would also do so offline.
The site also reports a quarter of all cyber-bullies target people they do not even know.
Mr Harrison reflects on his own bullying experience when posting information and reminds victims to seek help and talk to someone rather than react to the bully.
"It is important not to react or fight, tell someone about what’s happening, I always walked away and just kept going," Mr Harrison said.
"Don't let the bullies pick on you and hurt you, don't be afraid to tell someone.
"There is always someone to talk to, there is always someone who will listen.”
Approximately 200 million children worldwide have been subjected to bullying and while Mr Harrison knows he can’t help everyone it is not going to deter him from trying.
"It is hard because bullying is not just in the school, bullies can target people after school or whenever they want because of the internet and cyber bullying is a big problem," Mr Harrison said.
“I hope the page makes a difference to someone going through the same thing as I did and people know there is help.
“I hope I can help, I hope I can make people happy.”
