Cyberbullying Need to Stop says Elder Stevenson, Calls for Unity & Love

During his talk at the General Conference, Elder Gary E. Stevenson condemns cyberbullying and encouraged Latter-day Saints to be kind to everyone.

“While bullying is not a new concept, social media and technology have brought bullying to a new level,” the apostle said. “It becomes a more constant, ever-present threat—cyberbullying.”

“Clearly, the adversary is using this to hurt your generation. There is no place for this in your cyberspace, neighborhoods, schools, quorums, or classes. Please do all you can to make these places kinder and safer.”

Members of the Church are commanded to have “hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another” (Mosiah 18:21) and that “power or influence ought to be maintained … by gentleness and meekness … by kindness … without guile” (Doctrine and Covenants 121:41-42).

“I believe this precept has a universal application to all Latter-day Saints: adults, youth, and children.”

While talking to the youth, Elder Stevenson addressed those who participate in or passively observe from any form of bullying, “I know of no better advice than that previously given by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf: … ‘Stop it!’ Did you hear that? Stop it! As you extend yourself with kindness, care and compassion, even digitally, I promise that you will lift up arms that hang down and will heal hearts.”

He also said to the primary children that they should remember the words of the Primary Song “I’m Trying To Be Like Jesus” — “Love one another as Jesus loves you. Try to show kindness in all that you do.”

He calls out adults to be the role models of kindness, inclusion, and civility and to teach Christlike behavior. He emphasized that it is their responsibility to do so.

Even as individuals extend themselves in love, respect and kindness, they can be negatively affected by the bad choices of others. “What do we do then? We follow the Lord’s admonition to ‘love your enemies … and pray for them which despitefully use you.” (Luke 6:27-28).