HANNAH: THE 'DON'T JUDGE' CHALLENGE IS NOT WHAT IT SEEMS...

Reader Hannah describes how an internet challenge has turned into something toxic and dangerous… 

Hannah says:
If you are anything like me, you spend the majority of your spare time on the internet. With social media now a seemingly essential part of teenage life, you may put a status, picture or video on the internet and in return perhaps receive hateful comments and opinions on that post. People may 'judge' you from what you do or post, which of course is NOT OK.

So when I saw the 'Don't Judge Challenge' had become the latest internet fad, I was hopeful that this would help people to feel confident within themselves. I hoped it may be beneficial to young people. However, I was very wrong. Sadly the challenge has turned into something vain and even dangerous, and has become the very opposite of what its name implies. Teenagers styled themselves to look 'ugly' and then revealed their 'true selves' - a self that fitted society's standards of beauty, of course. Spots, monobrows, glasses, big teeth and messy hair were all considered 'ugly'. If the challenge was not to judge people, then it has failed. If you have glasses, it DOESN'T make you ugly. Likewise if you have other so-called flaws. The majority of the 'true selves' pictures were caked in make up and acting very vainly… attractive? Really?

I advise you to look at EM FORD's powerful video if you haven't already, as it is a much better example for young people on this sometimes overpowering place called the internet. It is throught provoking and sad, but shows that the real ugliness are those hate comments on the internet, and the sad, cruel and insecure people who make them. We are better than this, surely? You don't need someone to call you pretty to feel pretty. Whether you are a bit chubby or slim, have braces or perfect teeth, glasses, wear make up, no make up…. no matter what, you are beautiful. You don't need to do this challenge to make you feel pretty and you don't need to watch them and end up feeling ugly.

No matter what, you ARE beautiful.

Hannah writes a regular blog at: http://tinyclocks.weebly.com/

Photograph of phone pic modelled by Caitlin

Cathy says:
Hannah's post uncovers some very thought provoking ideas, and shows how dangerous and unhealthy the internet can be… especially for young people who are still coming to terms with their changing looks and trying to build confidence. I agree… the real ugliness is inside, in cruel, bullying behaviour that makes others feel sad and small. Think twice before judging anyone… you don't know the harm it can do, to the victim and also to yourself. Have YOU been judged harshly by others? Or have YOU ever left a mean comment on someone's post? COMMENT BELOW and tell us more...