World

Melania Trump laments cyber bullying

Social media when used incorrectly can prove destructive, says first lady

Afp August 20, 2018

AUGUST 20: U.S. first lady Melania Trump (L) listens to University of Texas student Joseph Grunwald recount how he was bullied in high school during a Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention summit. PHOTO: AFP

WASHINGTON: US First Lady Melania Trump renewed her campaign to tackle cyber bullying on Monday, as her husband lit up the internet with a stream of invective against his perceived foes.

Appearing at a health department building outside Washington, the Slovenia-born first lady urged tech companies to listen more to "children's ideas and concerns" about online bullying.

"Let's face it: most children are more aware of the benefits and pitfalls of social media than some adults," she said.

"In today's global society, social media is inevitably a part of our children's daily lives. It can be used in many positive ways, but also can be destructive and harmful when used incorrectly," she said.

Melania Trump visits border, Congress flails on family separations

Since coming to office Melania Trump has spoken relatively infrequently in public.

US First Lady Melania Trump arrives alongside US Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar (L) arrive for the Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention. PHOTO: AFP

She was treated at Walter Reed hospital on May 14 for what aides called a "benign" kidney condition and was released a few days later.

Her signature "be best" campaign for public decorum has been largely overshadowed by her husband's daily insults and public hectoring.

On Monday morning he called the taxpayer-funded lawyers and prosecutors investigating Russia's influence in the 2016 election a "National Disgrace."

ROCKVILLE, MD - AUGUST 20: U.S. first lady Melania Trump delivers remarks during a Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention summit. PHOTO: AFP

Stephanie Grisham, the first lady's communications director, decried the media's focus on Trump's cyber activities.

"The First Lady's presence at events such as today's cyberbullying summit elevates an issue that is important to children and families across this country," she said.

"She is aware of the criticism but it will not deter her from doing what she feels is right. The President is proud of her commitment to children and encourages her in all that she does."

COMMENTS (1)

PermanentPeace | 5 years ago | Reply Melania Trump's campaign to highlight and combat bullying on the internet is a worthwhile endeavor， and its messages should be directed toward anyone who bullies other user online， including of course POTUS45， whose use of social media to take potshots at media outlets that criticize him or his policies is contrary to the duties of the presidency as outlined in the US Constitution. Free speech is a universal value， and all democracies should call for constitutional reform to ensure media freedom and prevent governments and oligarchies from monopolizing the media， the internet and all other channels of communications. For more， see the Charter for Permanent Peace and Development.

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