Millie Bobby Brown Was Bullied So Badly She Had To Switch Schools

The 15-year-old's fight against bullying is a personal one. She has experienced its effects firsthand in person and online, which is why it's such an important issue for her as a goodwill ambassador. "I was bullied at school back in England... I actually switched schools because of it; it created a lot of anxiety and issues that I still deal with today," Brown said. 

She also called bullying "soul-breaking," and said that the negative comments and posts people make "genuinely hurts." However, she's aware of the positive power social media holds too, and chooses to focus on the love she's given as opposed to the hate. 

"Being in this industry, we have become so aware of negativity, and it’s made me appreciate the love so much more. People receive so much love on social media and then only focus on the hate."

Social media is a stronghold for the young star's generation. She recognizes the positive messages that can be spread through the outlet, but also the scary power it holds over young people. Brown even went so far as to compare social media to a disease. 

"I also want to combat the negativity on social media — I have experienced it — it’s like a disease. It’s negative hate that is genuinely so horrifying to me." 

Despite the negativity surrounding the apps, she is hopeful for the positive change it can produce. One of her missions is to make the internet a "happy place" for young people and to stop cyberbullying. 

"Social media is one of the best places in the world and one of the worst — it counteracts itself. It sends such amazing messages; it raises awareness of situations that need to be heard. Nobody should say it isn’t a platform for positivity and change. But then there are some really heartbreaking things to happen on social media, and I have dealt with a lot of bullying online. I want to make it a happy place."

Appropriately on National Children's Day in 2018, Brown was named an ambassador for the children's organization UNICEF. She spoke at the press function about how she will empower children and about the important issues that she will work toward. 

"I will speak out for the millions of children and young people whose voices have been silenced for far too long. I will shine a light on the issues that vulnerable children and young people have suffered around the world, including representing them at places where they haven't yet had a seat at the table," Brown promised.

Bloom has volunteered and raised money and awareness for countless projects through the organization. In the interview, he likened his experience with fame to Brown's. When Bloom appeared in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, he skyrocketed to fame, similar to the experience Brown found herself in following the success of Stranger Things.

In June 2018, various Twitter users shared a meme that was created using a photo of the young star that depicted her as homophobic. The reason behind the meme remained unclear, but it was enough to turn her off of the platform altogether. 

At the 2018 MTV Movie and TV Awards, Variety asked Noah Schnapp about his Stranger Things costar's decision to leave the social media app. "I feel really bad for her. That kinda sucks, but I think it was a smart move by her. People are just insensitive," Schnapp said. 

Brown is not the only star to throw in the Twitter towel following hate. Plenty of celebrities turn off the platform when it becomes too much to handle.

Brown had a secondary account called @Milliestopshate that has been used to spread uplifting messages and words of encouragement to her fans. Her account bio states, "I want this account to share love and positivity. Let's stop bullying."

She has not stayed very active, though. Her last tweet on the account was in January, and before that she hadn't posted since 2017.

Brown displays her famous friendships to her 18.5 million followers on Instagram. She showcases her playful relationships with her Stranger Things costars as well as the relatively new connections she's made with stars like Maddie Ziegler and other social media mavens. In the interview, Bloom commended her ability to forge a positive community on social media platforms.

Brown attends many events where she meets up with fans and is able to have a personal moment with them. Her character in Stranger Things is such a powerful role model for young girls, and she is aware of her impact on those who look up to her. She captioned this video of a meet and greet in New Jersey, "thank u new jersey ! ily guys so much ! u were so beautiful."

During this Netflix video showcase, Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer reveal how impressed they are with Brown's abilities at such a young age. 

In the interview with Bloom, she revealed it was important for her to feel like an equal in her acting career. She noted that it is difficult to get your point across when superiors don't take you seriously, but she has managed to work on projects where people appreciate "youth and opinions."

"On a set I don’t want to be treated as a minor — although I am, I am not there to just be treated like a child, I am there to treated as a co-worker and my opinion be treated as such. You know, you are a man, I am a girl but that doesn’t matter, our opinions are equally as important as each other. I have witnessed that change," she said in the Glamour article.

Brown's acting chops are undoubtedly impressive, as her two Emmy nominations prove. What's even more impressive, however, is her initiative for activism. 

Overall, Brown wants to empower young people and spread light and love. "My message is always to spread love, light, and positivity. The world can be a scary place sometimes, but it’s important to remain hopeful and to be kind to others."