The sister of missing 11-year-old boy Ryan Larsen took to social media Monday to defend her family and tell the public that criticism has been hurtful. She began the post by thanking those supporting the search effort, but quickly moved on to a message for those criticizing the family. "I don't think some people realize how bad it hurts to read these posts and comments about us. For those criticizing our choices, I hope this is something that never happens to your family. We have been told since day one to stay out of the media and off social media. I didn't get why at first, but now I see how mean people's words can be and how easily our words can be twisted," Taylor Larsen wrote on a public Facebook group. "The things you say is just like kicking someone when they are down. Trust me, we are doing everything we possibly can to bring Ryan home."Taylor said that it feels like the family has to post something to prove they care. "Of course we care for Ryan. My mom is broken right now because Ryan is her life. She shouldn't have to be in the media and on social media apps to prove that she needs him. She is barely getting by. So please before you decide to post something, think about how you would feel if this happened to someone you loved. Please be kind. Thank you for all the prayers and don't give up on Ryan. He is strong and he will come home," she wrote. Rumors and unconfirmed social media posts have plagued the search for the missing Nebraska boy, who has been missing since May 17 after walking out of school. On May 25, La Vista Police Chief Bob Lausten said he is aware of rumors swirling on social media. He said these are false and "disgusting.""There has been some chatter on social media from some keyboard warriors in basements talking about, 'We have an arrest, we found Ryan,' that is absolutely false. Any information that's going to come about this case is going to come from the La Vista police department," he said. "We continue to search."Lausten said Larsen's family "has been nothing but cooperative."Several days later, a release stated, "We ask all to continue to respect the privacy of Ryan’s family and loved ones. We are updating them frequently on our search for Ryan, and they are understandably fearful and concerned. Please be understanding of their decision regarding public comments or lack thereof."