AusCelebs Forums

Lilly as Xanthe is really nailing topical teen issues, great to see she is backing it up on social media as well.

These past two weeks on Neighbours Xanthe has been on an incredible journey battling online bullying, friendships and self worth. These topics hold a very close spot in my heart, as I have been challenged myself with all three. After being bullied online Xanthe felt her only escape was to get plastic surgery.. An extreme to make her feel included and beautiful. Thankfully, her family and friends rallied together to let her know that beauty isn't what people SEE on the outside, it's what lies within. If you or anyone you know, are not happy with the way you look, or the body you have, please remember this: perfection does not exist!! The Insta famous girls are not perfect, the bullies at school are not perfect, your friends are not perfect, I am not perfect, you are not perfect... Perfection is boring, and unrealistic!! however, you ARE beautiful and unique. Embrace your scars, your birthmarks, your skin, everything that makes you, you. Go out into the world and shine! Focus on making yourself happy, and create the best version of yourself through kind words, encouragement and a warm heart ❤️
I have so many thoughts on bullying, and could ramble on forever! but thankfully there is an article on the neighbours website.. (Link below!!) which talks about it a little more! Remember, you are not alone, and there is always someone who is there to talk and will support you ❤️

I hope Xanthes storyline has convinced you there's no need to be anyone but yourself... And if you are being bullied, someone is always there to support and help you... You are not alone!! Xx

Lilly Van Der Meer discusses her characters struggle with online bullying

What’s happening with Xanthe at the moment? Why is she getting bullied?

It’s all online trolls and we see that Xanthe starts trolling herself, which comes from the idea that if you can’t beat them join them. When someone calls her stupid or dumb she starts to believe it and the only way to fix that is to become the most beautiful person that she can and she thinks plastic surgery is the only way to do that.

You are at school, have you seen this yourself? Or even been affected by it?

I’ve never been online bullied, but I’ve been schoolyard bullied so it’s a little bit different. They were very confronting scenes; I did a lot of research. I wanted to see the perspective of people who don’t have self worth and see what it was like for kids in that situation and how they feel and how they look at themselves in the mirror and what makes them do the things that they do.

What advice would you give to teens who are in a similar situation to Xanthe?

Just talk to someone, talk to a family member or a friend. An anonymous call like Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) - someone to help you through it, because so many people have been through the same situation or similar.

What’s in store for Ben and Xanthe? Are they going to get together?

Ben & Xanthe have a connection that is forming. She is completely infatuated with Ben. She was very forward, but it sort of backfired a little bit as Ben is not really that interested. But they are getting closer and hopefully they will get together.

Your Dad is back, how is that changing the dynamic at home with Sheila? Who is the good cop/bad cop?

I think Dad comes into the picture trying to catch up on all the things he’s missed - trying to be the good parent that he never really was. I think Sheila gets a little bit confronted by that because it has been just the two of them for a while. Dad is easier going at the start and then he tries a different approach. That’s all I’m going to say.