WIZARD NATION DELETES DIGITAL DRAMA

By MIKAYLA CHAIT

Cyberbullying has become all too common in our society. Delete Week is a national campaign that was created by Seventeen Magazine to highlight the importance of deleting digital drama. Once a year, Washingtonville hosts Delete Week to teach its students how being kind online can have a positive impact on the lives of others. 

The Safe School Ambassador Program at WHS has been sponsoring this event for seven years. Co-program advisor of SSA, Mr. Lepere, claimed, “One of the best results of Delete Week is the awareness that is built about the strategies that can be used to avoid cyberbullying.” Delete Week will be held March 27th through March 31st.  Our Safe School Ambassadors hope to make it an informative week for all students. 

MIKAYLA CHAIT FOR WIZARD WEEKLY

During all lunches, students will be able to fill out ‘Kind O-Grams’ that will be delivered to classes on Friday. Writing thoughtful messages on paper phones, Kind O-Grams are a fun way to remind others how simple it is to be pleasant online. Mr. Lepere explained, “The Kind O-Grams are a way for kids to express their thoughts and feelings in a positive way.” Also, tune into next week’s announcements in order to hear different Delete Week facts about the awareness of cyber bullying. 

Along with Kind O’Gram and posters in the hallways, students can find large cardboard phones hung up in the hallways. Each will state different pieces of advice on how to avoid cyberbulling. “There is no changing your mind. Once you send something, it is sent,” is just one example of these positive messages. SSA member, Lizmari Pena-Perez, stated, “I believe Delete Week is a perfect way to get the school and community to join together and fight against cyberbullying. I additionally believe this week encourages students to help out anyone in need and to be more compassionate towards others who may not be having a good day.” 

No one should stand by as others are hurt on the internet. Safe School Ambassadors teach the importance of eliminating the bystander and getting everyone involved. Get involved this Delete Week and send your friends a Kind O-Gram.  Moreover, take the time to read the posters hanging up throughout the halls. Delete Week is a time to reflect on one’s influence on social media and take a stand against online bullying. On Friday, all students are encouraged to wear black to symbolize deleting digital drama