Melania Trump addressed speculation about her son Barron Trump’s autism and revealed the bullying he received after rumors spread online in 2016.
In Melania Trump’s memoir, published Tuesday, the former first lady shares her perspective.
The controversy began when Rosie O’Donnell, the TV personality who has had a long-running feud with Donald Trump, reposted a video suggesting Barron was showing signs of autism. . Barron was just 10 years old at the time, and Melania Trump largely kept him out of the public eye. The video and O’Donnell’s accompanying comments quickly gained attention online.
Excerpts from the memoir obtained by The Daily Beast reveal Melania’s anguish over the situation, calling the impact on her son one of “irreparable harm,” and saying, alluding to the real-life bullying that he faced.
“Mr. Barron’s experiences with both online and real-life bullying since the incident clearly demonstrate that irreparable damage has been caused,” Melania said. “I was appalled by the level of cruelty,” she said, adding that the experience was “shattering as a parent” and that it felt like her heart was being “ripped apart”.
When anyone faces online harassment, it affects their psychological health. And for children whose nervous systems are not yet fully regulated, it can lead to deeper emotional and psychological distress, often manifesting itself in ways that affect development and self-esteem. Emotional and mental health expert Aruba Kabir, founder of Enso Wellness, discussed holistic well-being.
“Isolation is one of the most direct effects of online bullying. Children begin to withdraw socially for fear of further ridicule and rejection, and feel helpless because they are powerless to stop or let go. , the worst can happen. Without the physical presence of the online bully, children feel like they no longer have a safe space, and the attacks can become more vicious,” she said in the conversation. I mentioned it inside.
Anxiety and depression are seen in children as well as adults as expected consequences of cyberbullying, and can stem from the fear of being constantly watched and judged, Kabir said. Over time, long-term mental health issues can develop, including chronic stress, mood disorders, and even thoughts of self-harm.
Addressing bullying requires schools, parents, and communities to work together to create a safe and inclusive environment for all children.
