Fight for likes...Kids today are setting up fights so that it can be recorded and posted on social media and give them their minute of fame

1. Email 10:
I used to run around with friends that I have grown up with, but once we got into
the high school all they want to do is pick on people and fight. They plan these
fights and have other kids video it so that they can post it on their YouTube
account. After this started I decided to stop hanging out with them because what
they are doing is wrong. Now they are picking on me and even created a fake
profile page so that they can make fun of me. What should I do to keep myself
out of trouble but get these girls to stop bothering me?
Response:
We have seen the epidemic of fighting and posting it soaring out of control, with
no regard to anyone else's property or person. The sad part is most of the time
this is not a fight that has been brewing for sometime between two people. This
is a way to gain "likes" on social media and get their moment of internet fame
and what is even worse are the parents who defend this behavior. First of all
nothing is ever resolved by physical fighting, besides getting the anger and
aggression out, after that whatever the underlying issue was that started the fight
to begin with has not been resolved. Taking a stand for what you believe to be
right is a great start. Don't be a follower, but a leader that others look up to.
You decided on your own to no longer socialize with this group of friends
because of their behavior and now they think you should be punished for not
agreeing with them. With that being how they feel, they were not your true
friends to begin with. People go in different directions as they grow and develop,
and not wanting to associate with those that will get you in trouble is a very
mature decision. When it comes to them creating a fake page on social media,
report it and block them. If this does not work then reporting it to the police and
making a report may do the trick. Use your own cell phone to your advantage by
filming these people while they are harassing you, make them aware that you are
not going to allow them to bully you into being someone your not. Most of the
time they will get bored and move on to another person to bother since they can't
get to you anymore. Always keep your parents or guardian informed of what is
going on.