First Lady Melania Trump discussed cyber safety and the impact of the internet on children, with a particular focus on cyberbullying on Nov. 15.
“Today’s technology provides people with digital shields to hide behind and being anonymous often takes the place of being caring and responsible, which can lead to children and adults feeling empowered to be kind and at times cruel,” she told the Family Online Safety Institute’s (FOSI) annual conference in Washington where she talked about promoting civility online.
She expressed that despite feeling challenged by the constant negative reporting on her by legacy media outlets, she will keep being a public voice on this issue. “It is not news or surprising to me that the critics and the media have chosen to ridicule me for speaking out on this issue, and that’s OK. I remain committed to tackling this topic,” she told her audience.
She shared with them that she hopes that, “like I do, you will consider using the negative words as motivation to do all you can to bring awareness and understanding about responsible online behavior.”
Melania also led an onstage discussion with four students who are active in encouraging civil behavior online. She asked the students what inspired them in their communities and how they reach out to peers to combat cyberbullying.
Earlier this year, Melania unveiled a child well-being initiative called Be Best that aims to teach children to be respectful online.
