'It will not stop me': Melania Trump hosts cyberbullying event, addresses critics

US first lady Melania Trump appeared at a cyberbullying event on Tuesday and addressed criticism of her stance on the issue. President Donald Trump’s spouse admitted that she has been criticised for her commitment to tackling cyberbullying, adding that it would not stop her from doing what she knows is right.

A recent cyber safety discussion hosted by the first lady was held at the White House. Melania had sent invites to representatives from leading tech companies as she sought to encourage “positive behaviours on social media.”

The FLOTUS admitted that she is aware of the “scepticism” she received after announcing her plans to help prevent cyberbullying. She believes the backlash would continue but remains determined to push through with her plans.

Melania shared that she received many letters from kids who felt threatened or bullied on social media. Amid the criticism, Melania has vowed to continue advocating for safer spaces for young ones on the internet.

The meeting was attended by representatives from a number of top online and social media companies, marking the FLOTUS’ first public event on the topic since entering the White House. Facebook, Amazon, Twitter, Google and Snap were among the tech companies that joined Melania. Representatives from Family Online Safety Institute were also invited.

Prior to her husband’s electoral win in the 2016 presidential elections, Melania had said that combating cyberbullying would be “one of the main focuses.” During a speaking appearance at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, she said it is never okay when a teenager is mocked, bullied or attacked, adding that it is terrible when it happens on the playground.

Melania stressed that it is absolutely unacceptable when bullying is done by someone hiding on the internet. “Technology has changed our universe, but like anything that is powerful it can have a bad side,” she said during a short speech at an athletic centre outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

So far, the first lady has devoted much of her time doing work with children. She has also expressed interest in the opioid crisis and has shown support for students protesting for stricter gun laws.