Hailing from the BRIT award winning girl group Little Mix, Perrie Edwards recently got onto Twitter to discuss some important matters. They include discussing the Netflix television series 13 Reasons Why, which is based on the young adult novel written by author Jay Asher, and bullying. Overall the series’ plot circles around the suicide of a teen girl named Hannah Baker and the exploration of high school events that lead to engaging, sympathetic and truly emotional gut-wretching scenes.
On Twitter, the singer left a note discussing the series. She readily notes that:
If you or anyone you know is being bullied, please don’t sit back and stay mute. Do something about it. Life is too short and there is always someone you can talk to.
Read the full note below.
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— Little Mix (@LittleMix) April 5, 2017
While it sounds easier said than done, face to face and online bullying continues to be a matter that’s not so easily talked about especially when it revolves around younger individuals who might not have a thicker skin compared to others. There’s the fear of speaking out and a fear that the perpetuator will continue to cause emotional and/or physical harm.
There are plenty of reasons to be afraid to speak out – even a “friend” who might possibly see these kinds of interactions, will fault and not speak out as well. But as Edwards quotes, “don’t sit back and stay mute”.
The singer and her bandmates were also plastered with hate comments during their teen years after winning the reality singing competition the X-Factor. In their book ‘Our World’, Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall and Jesy Nelson discussed the face to face bullying they encountered as young teens. Nelson discussed developing alopecia stating:
I was probably about 13 when my hair just started coming out. Stress can cause alopecia and it wasn’t nice.I got picked on because I’ve always liked to dress different. I’ve never wanted to fit in with everyone else. But I like being individual. I think it’s cool.. I think the world would be boring if everyone looked the same.
Thirlwall discussed how racial bullying led to her battling anorexia.
My periods stopped and things were getting out of control but I don’t think I really cared about what was happening to me. I felt so depressed at the time that I just wanted to waste away and disappear.
If you, a family member, or any individual you know is going through an environment filled with negative and toxic energy – you are not alone. Be bold. You can learn more about stopping bullying and speaking up by going to https://www.stopbullying.gov/