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Melania Trump calls for an end to cyberbullying as President Donald Trump continues name-calling on social media

First Lady Melania Trump / Facebook

In a speech last week, First Lady Melania Trump continued her push to end cyberbullying as part of her “Best Best” initiative. Her call is in contrast to the actions of her husband, President Donald Trump, who continues to use social media to “name-call and deride his political rivals,” People wrote.

Melania Trump spoke at the annual meeting for the National Parent Teacher Association held in Alexandria, Virginia last week. Addressing the 300 administrators and teachers who attended the event, the FLOTUS renewed her call to end online bullying, which “can have a negative and even deadly impact on our youth.”

Mrs. Trump stressed that as a technology, the internet can have either a negative or positive impact on society depending on how it is used. “When used properly, the internet can be a tool for good,” Melania said. “When not used properly, it can be destructive and dangerous.”

The FLOTUS mentioned 16-year-old Channing Smith from Manchester, Tennessee as an example of the deadly effects of cyberbullying. The teenager committed suicide “because of the thoughtless and cruel actions committed online by his peers,” Melania Trump told the audience.

“These devastating, and life-changing tragedies are a heavy reminder of the consequences of irresponsible online behavior,” the FLOTUS said. “Our children are growing up in a world where so much of their day-to-day interaction takes place online. As parents, adults, educators, and community leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure our children are being taught the importance of positive ways to interact with each other and prepare them for attacks and negativity they could receive in this new digital age.”

Mrs. Trump then urged the teachers and school administrators in attendance to make sure online bullying doesn’t happen in their schools. “Parents and teachers are on the frontlines of this battle,” Melania said.

“You see firsthand the uplifting effects positive online experiences have on children,” the FLOTUS added. “You also witness how destructive internet use can tear down students’ self-esteem. With your help, we can break down the harmful barriers that internet abuse poses to our children and society.”

However, People also noted the marked difference between President Donald Trump and his wife when it comes to social media usage. Hours prior to the speech, the POTUS reportedly “continued to name-call Democrats in his usual string of morning tweets.”

“It is no secret that the President and First Lady often communicate differently — as most married couples do,” explained Stephanie Grisham, White House spokeswoman.

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