Last week I watched Dr. Phil in which his guest was a mother of a teen daughter who took her own life after becoming the target of a vicious rumor. The lie spread like wildfire.
Within an hour the rumor not only reached the entire high school, it reached the entire cyber world. With the click of a mouse, the words of one mean girl were enough to destroy another teen girl’s life. Yes, simple mean words.
READ MORE: TEENS, GET A GRIP ON AGGRESSION
So how do you protect your daughter or granddaughter from rumors and gossip?
1) Urge her to talk to the girl who started the rumor. It’s important to find out why the girl is spreading rumors. Most likely, it’s about power or jealousy. Also, make sure your daughter has a friend with her who will stand up for her if the discussion turns into a fight.
2) Point out your daughter’s strengths and positive qualities. Remind her that her true friends will stand by her and that the rumor will eventually die down over time.
However, if the rumors continue and become more damaging, consider taking legal action. Here is more information regarding the legal issues regarding the spreading of rumors.
3) Remind her that a truly popular girl is one who doesn’t have to use mean words to gain friends. Kindness, respect and compassion are the qualities that create popularity.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29, NIV)
We all love to share our thoughts with each other, but let’s keep comments positive and share only what helps build others up, not tear them down.
