"You have mail"
LEAVE ME ALONE was the wording of Gemma's email as she pleaded for them to stop. It had been going on for almost a month now, an endless line of threatening emails piling into her inbox against her own will. She didn't know why it started; she didn't really understand what was happening to her. All that she really knew was that whoever it was wouldn't leave her alone. Obviously having an email address had its perks; being able to join fan sites for her favourite singers, and receiving updates on her favourite shows, but she clearly hadn't thought about the downside of it. But what ten year old would? As quick as she had sent her own email, she received another. She knew who had sent it, it was obvious. Her mother was still in the same room; Gemma didn't need to look around to check, she could hear her fingers quickly tapping away at the laptop keys. She sighed quietly and returned her focus to the game she was playing; she had almost beaten her high score. Two new emails crept into her inbox. With a few clicks of the mouse, Gemma quickly opened the email, picking one of the three which were exactly the same. She scanned the all too familiar words starting with 'GUESS WHO?' from behind the glass. She hesitated, conscious that her mother could hear her heartbeat pick up pace. As if by routine, she typed the pleading words 'LEAVE ME ALONE', before clicking the send button. And then she waited. She knew what was going to happen. It had most nights for the past month now, except it was getting more regular. Gemma's eyes didn't leave the corner of the screen as her mother walked out of the room. As far as she was concerned, everything was fine, and as Gemma had been told the consequences, which was how it was going to stay. Another tone sounded, but it wasn't from the computer. Unlocking her phone, as another message was received, Gemma clicked on one of the unread texts. It was from an unknown number. She read the two words. 'GUESS WHO?' That single phrase triggered a sickening feeling to flood through her whole body. Helplessly, she pressed the delete button. Gemma knew exactly who it was. By Jordan Hossack What can you do ? If you're being targeted by mobile phone, contact your service provider with details of the calls or texts that are causing you concern. Mobile phone companies take cases like this seriously and can trace people who think they are calling or texting anonymously. You may also want to change your SIM card in your mobile. It's not fair that you have to do this, but it is an easy solution. You still need to tell somebody what's going on. If you're being targeted online or by email, contact your internet service provider and also the company who provides your email. If you can produce written evidence of what's been going on, it may be possible to block the bully's account. Never give out your email address or mobile number in chat rooms. Be aware of who you're chatting to online. Someone claiming to be the same sex, age and have similar interests to you might not be telling the truth. To find out more check out these sites. If you need someone to talk to right now Call Childline Free on 0800 1111
