Catching Up With Cybersmile Ambassador Katie Cassidy

Katie Cassidy is best known for her role as the ‘Black Canary’ aka Laurel Lance on the CW series, Arrow.

We know that you are an actress, but you also have a blog (TomboyKC.com) that you started with your best friend – can you tell us a bit about that please?

We at TomboyKC are focussed on style that is, well, personal. It’s a place for the smart, opinionated, and occasionally sarcastic to join together to talk about the little things while celebrating our differences. We are self proclaimed nomads, and we aren’t travelling for work or buying 2 of everything, you’ll find Lynsey on her couch and myself at the gym, then us together on Lynsey’s couch. Usually reading up on current events, while eating pizza and drinking champagne in men’s pajamas.

What made you want to get involved with Cybersmile?

I was bullied in grade school and I had a really hard time dealing with it. Being bullied is something I can relate to. Today, I believe it is important that we educate our children how important their developing years are, so they understand the effects that cyberbullying can have. (Here is the announcement of Katie becoming an Official Cybersmile Ambassador in case you missed it!)

Do you think social media is a blessing or a curse?

I have a love/hate relationship with social media. Social media has done wonderful things for people. For example, a few months back, Stephen Amell and I learned that our dear friends son went missing 12 years ago. We were so sad in hearing this news we started feeding information about our friends son through our social media platforms. Because of social media, I’m happy to report that he’s reconnected with his boy!

Have you ever suffered cyberbullying or digital abuse? If so, how did/do you handle it?

I’m sure there are negative comments on my social media platforms, and honestly it’s the reason I don’t read comments too often. Which is too bad… because I want to engage with my fans, but not if people are going to post negative comments that may bring me down. I don’t think it’s right (If you need support for online abuse, visit our cyberbullying and digital abuse help centre).

What advice would you give to somebody being bullied/abused online?

It’s important for the individual who is being bullied to recognize that it’s not a personal attack. Usually, it’s the bully who’s unhappy within themselves and feels jealous or inferior to the person being bullied. It’s the bully who is insecure and acting out in a way to bring others down so that he/she feels better or validated.

What is your favourite social media platform?

Instagram and Facebook.

Do you have a favourite positive quote/mantra that helps get you motivated?

Work hard and stay focussed, because dreams can come true.

So, what are your plans for 2016?

Work. Hopefully a film over the Arrow hiatus.

A huge thank you to our amazing Ambassador Katie for such an honest interview! Remember, if you are affected by abuse online you can visit our cyberbullying and digital abuse help center or alternatively you can check out our total access support services. For further information about Cybersmile and the work we do, please explore the following suggestions.

How awesome was that then! Tweet us your thoughts over @CybersmileHQ