The Trumps are trying to play both sides of the cyberbullying issue and nobody's buying it.

Photo by DoD/Flickr

When it comes to the issue of cyberbullying, the White House is sending some extremely mixed messages.

First lady Melania Trump delivered opening remarks at a federal conference on cyberbullying in Maryland on Monday, August 20. In her speech, she noted that some adults can use a little help when it comes to being good social media citizens.

“Let’s face it: Most children are more aware of the benefits and pitfalls of social media than some adults, but we still need to do all we can to provide them with information and tools for successful and safe online habits,” she said, possibly alluding to her husband.

‌‌The first lady’s campaign to improve children's social media habits is a large pillar of her Be Best initiative.

But it’s tough to take a word Melania Trump says on the issue seriously because she’s married to perhaps the largest cyberbully on Earth. During her speech, her husband was berating former CIA director John Brennan, calling him “the worst CIA Director in our country’s history” and a political “hack.”

I hope John Brennan, the worst CIA Director in our country’s history, brings a lawsuit. It will then be very easy to get all of his records, texts, emails and documents to show not only the poor job he did, but how he was involved with the Mueller Rigged Witch Hunt. He won’t sue!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 20, 2018

‌‌The president has cyberbullied everyone from his numerous political opponents to the cast of “Hamilton” and rapper Snoop Dogg. On August 14, Donald Trump called former White House aid Omarosa Manigault Newman a "dog."

When you give a crazed, crying lowlife a break, and give her a job at the White House, I guess it just didn’t work out. Good work by General Kelly for quickly firing that dog!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 14, 2018

Although there are no concrete figures on whether the president’s social media behavior has affected cyberbullying rates; studies show that the groups Trump has targeted have seen a rise an increase in harassment.

Cyberbullying is a serious issue facing today’s youth. In 2017, 14.5% of students reported that they were bullied electronically, compared to 15.5% in 2015, 14.8% in 2013, and 16.2% in 2011. Children who are cyberbullied often experience low self-esteem, frustration, suicidal ideation, and a variety of other emotional and psychological problems.

Earlier this year, 12-year-old Gabbie Green died by suicide after being cyberstalked by two classmates.

If Melania Trump is truly concerned with stopping online harassment, she could make a substantial difference simply by starting at home.

Melania Trump speaks at a cyberbullying summit today. Maybe tomorrow Karen Pence will Grand Marshall a Pride parade. Then Wednesday, Paul Ryan’s wife can lead a living wage rally. Sure, why not. #BeBest

— Wendi Aarons (@WendiAarons) August 20, 2018

First Lady Melania Trump speaking out against cyberbullying is like Colonel Sanders' wife speaking out against fried chicken.

— JRehling (@JRehling) August 20, 2018

First Lady Melania Trump is married to the CyberBullying Champion Of The World. He’s every parents nightmare. Not a role model. #ThugPresident. What hypocrisy.

— Lyn Cain (@LynMCain) August 20, 2018

Today Melania Trump gave a speech discussing the harmful effects of cyber-bullying on today's youth. But when asked of the discrepancies between her speech and her husband's prolific Twitter aggression, Melania probably just said "I really don't care. do u?" pic.twitter.com/h23ZdbafPn

— Olivia Roos (@oliviajroos) August 20, 2018

Now that we’ve heard from Melania Trump on the dangers of cyberbullying, let’s hear from Mike Pence about the importance of treating the LGBT community with respect or from Stephen Miller about how it’s wrong to unhinge your jaw and swallow children whole.

— The Volatile Mermaid (@OhNoSheTwitnt) August 20, 2018

My husband is an arsonist who keeps burning down everything in sight but we really need to set a better example so kids stop playing with fire. That’s what we hear when Melania Trump talks about cyberbullying.

— Adam Best (@adamcbest) August 20, 2018

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