Tracy Beaker’s Dani Harmer has bravely opened up about her experiences of online trolling.
The 32-year-old, who recently returned to our screens with My Mum Tracy Beaker, told that although the majority of messages she receives online are positive, she’s experienced “huge anxiety” from a “handful of really cruel ones”.
At one point, Dani told, she didn’t want to leave her house or look at her phone after nasty remarks about her appearance.
It’s not the first time she’s spoken about trolling.
Back in February, the BBC star recalled being fat-shamed for being a size 10.
Now, she’s penned an Instagram post urging social media users to think before they post.
(Image: missdanijharmer/Instagram)
“Unfortunately trolling and online abuse seems to be a daily occurrence on social media nowadays and it’s just not right,” she wrote.
“I want everyone to be aware of just how much of an impact they make on the person behind the screen when they send abusive and hateful messages.
“I may have a job in the public eye but I am still very much a human being with feelings.”
She continued: “Announcing the new series ‘My Mum Tracy Beaker’ should have been a very exciting time in my life and I couldn’t wait to share it with everyone on social media!
(Image: Getty Images)
“But unfortunately even though I got hundreds of thousands of wonderful positive message they were overshadowed by the handful of really cruel ones.
“These messages about my weight and appearance caused huge anxiety and upset to the point I didn’t even want to look at my phone or leave the house! Now, I’m a 32yr old grown up woman with a pretty thick skin so I can’t even imagine how messages like this must impact younger people!
“And it’s certainly not just those in the public eye that receive this sort of abuse! So all I ask of you is: in the future to really think about what you’re saying online!
(Image: BBC/Matt Squire)
(Image: BBC/Brilliant Films)
“Have a think as to whether it’s TRUE and whether it’s NECESSARY! If it’s going to hurt someone’s feelings then why bother??!”
Dani continued to say that she tells her daughter to “be kind” every day when dropping her off at school.
Tracy Beaker’s small screen return, meanwhile, has been lauded by audiences as they delve into some nostalgia.
If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operates a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email Jo@samaritans.org if you’d prefer to write down how you feel. You are not alone.
