THUNDER BAY -- Middle school female students and their mothers are attempting to bridge the social media gap.
The “Flip It!” mother-daughter conference was held on Saturday at Claude E. Garton Public School.
The conference allowed mothers and daughters to interact, create, and learn about the pitfalls and advantages of social media.
The day-long conference featured a series of speeches, mental health workshops and art creations.
“These events are incredibly important,” said St. Patrick high school guidance counsellor Sheri Ozbolt.
“Having parents and their children together is always a valuable experience.”
The conference is intended to provide participants with the opportunity to flip the negative side of social media and turn the digital platform into something positive.
Lynelle Cantwell, the keynote speaker from Torbay, Newfoundland, told a unique story that directly applied to the conference’s purpose.
Cantwell was in her senior year in high school when she became victim of a cyberbullying attack on social media.
“There was a voting poll on Facebook and Twitter, and the name of it was: Ugliest Girls in Grade 12. I found out I was in fourth place and later moved up to first.”
After collecting herself, Cantwell took her displeasure to Facebook to voice her story.
“I’m sorry that your life is so miserable that you have to try to bring others down,” the post from 2015 reads. “I’m sorry that you don’t get to know me as a person.”
Cantwell’s post reached viral status shortly after it was posted. She became a symbol for resilience in the face of cyberbullying, and shortly thereafter was given the chance to tour across Canada with WE Day, a celebration of youth involvement and empowerment.
“If I can change some girl who is quiet, and she goes back to school and stands up for herself… That’s amazing,” Cantwell added.
Cantwell’s message created a sense of empowerment amongst the students at “Flip It!” Despite the fact 12-year-old Katee Belisle’s mother “made her” attend the event, Belisle said she quickly realized the benefit.
“It really helped to hear that other people are going through the same struggles that I am,” said Belisle. “It’s one thing to know that you’re going through something, but it’s another thing to know that other people are out there, and they can help you with any struggles.”
“Everybody thinks that when you’re put in this situation; you’re alone,” Cantwell added. “But there’s so many people you can reach out to. I want people to realize that.”
