True Bielebers never say never

STRUGGLING merely to take a sip from her cup, my sister gives up. She falls to her bed and clings to her pillow.

Anyone assessing the fragile 9-year-old would think she had a cold - some Robitussin and she'd be fine.

But no, there is no cure. What she has is rapidly spreading among young females all over the world. Honor Williams has Bieber fever.

Bieber fever starts as an addiction. The drug? Justin's music, tweets, videos and, of course, the notorious hair. It starts as a naive crush, but let's not underestimate the power of the Biebinator. It can go from harmless to harmful in a matter of weeks.

Beliebers send him lovesick messages: "Love uuuuu. u so amazing xoxo <3. I'm always here for you. You are my life!!!"

Girls devote hours to daydreaming about him, discussing and defending him. They become obsessed with the idea of being Justin's "one love". Some fall into a delusional state believing Justin is actually singing to them.

Let's not forget the boys - in their awkward, just-hit-puberty stage, they have to compete with Justin Bieber? No chance.

Bieberettes are Biebergasming over the new movie Never Say Never. You know you've made an impact when your name is being used to create new vocabulary. Once I watched the movie, I realised his talent. He has a natural charm, his voice isn't auto-tuned and, more importantly, his morals are intact.

Many girls admitted Justin gave them support through unpleasant times like their parent's divorce, loss of someone close or just the hardships of being a teenager. Bieber stated, "I think that being powerful, you have to do something good with that power."

Back to my frail lovesick sister. She has a ritual of passionately kissing a Justin Bieber poster before bedtime; the glossy paper is starting to wear through to the wall. Obviously, this isn't right, and the obsessive-compulsive nature of teens towards Bieber is unhealthy.

However, the value of the message he is sending may outweigh Bieber fever's moronic effects. He is encouraging them to go for their dreams, to not surrender, to never say never. At least girls are discovering something to be passionate about.

Minus his corny lyrics, he is a decent role model, especially compared to other racey teen celebrities like the perpetually "in rehab" Britney Spears or the sleazy Chuck Bass.

There are always going to be individuals who love to hate successful people. It's called tall-poppy syndrome and Justin Bieber is no exception. A stream of callous cyber bullying targets the confident 15-year-old: "Justin Bieber sings like a girl", "he's a fag", "his hair is ugly" and "well, he sings like a girl". Do I smell jealousy?

One boy climbed Acer Arena in Sydney and egged Justin while he was performing. These malicious gestures show more about the people doing them than Bieber himself, but does he deserve this persecution?

No. I'm not an avid fan but I am going to defend the kid. His ambitious personality is pushing him to remarkable heights and, what's more, he isn't spoilt or self-absorbed like the Paris Hiltons of the world.

Having been discovered on YouTube, and with 100 million views, 11,000 new Twitter fans a day and a movie of his life story, Bieber's personal brand has stimulated social media to new heights.

Bieber was the first, but now stardom is beginning to find other people with real talent, not just the right connections.

The question is, is Justin Bieber poisoning our nation's preteens or is he a positive inspiration? Personally, I don't see what all the hype is about.

Liking his music? Yes. Standing outside barred gates to catch a glimpse of him? No.

However, despite the fanaticism, it isn't going to his head. Maybe we all need to experience a Biebergasm or two. So, are you a Belieber?

Samantha Williams, Year 13, St Cuthbert's College