Seoana Sherry-Brennan
Digital Communications and Prize Engagement Officer
17 Nov 2020
Lockdown may have made us realise the value and importance of friendships and allowed us to get to know each other better (albeit virtually!) but it’s also been hard on those without a large circle of friends, and has unfortunately seen an increase in cyberbullying. Some reports suggest that just 20% of bullying takes place at school now, which means the other 80% takes place on the internet. The strain placed on mental health caused by being confined to the home for weeks at a time could be making matters worse, for both the victims and perpetrators of cyberbullying.
To help make sure you are using the internet for good at all times, here are some things you can do to spread positivity and encourage more kindness online, while staying safe from online bullying yourself.
Spread joy, not hate!
It’s easy to get caught up in negativity online, but you can make a difference by sharing uplifting and encouraging posts with your followers. Start the day by saying hello to everyone and wishing them a good morning, you’d be surprised what a big difference it can make!
Don’t like, favourite, share or comment on negativity
Before you like or retweet a post, stop and take a minute to think about whether that message could offend or upset anyone. If it isn’t a straightforward ‘no’, don’t engage with it.
Disagree respectfully
It takes courage to stand up to people who are spreading negativity or unkindness online, but if you’re feeling brave, calling out people who are doing just that is a good way to challenge what they are saying and put a stop to it. Always be respectful though – don’t use names or attack the individual’s intelligence, instead use facts and logics to argue your point.
Write positive reviews
Posting a positive review of somewhere you’ve been on an experience you’ve had is an easy (and free!) way to give back to local businesses or to thank someone for their hard work.
Start a positivity page or journal
Go even further to share uplifting content by starting a page or account dedicated to sharing good news and inspirational quotes for your friends and family. As an added bonus, it’s guaranteed to make you feel better too!
Using social media
Social media is a great (and now, very necessary) way to keep in touch, share thoughts and ideas and much, much more. However, it’s important to think carefully about what information you disclose on your profile page. When posting content, consider if:
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying can occur via email, social networking and gaming sites, online chat or text message. If you have received a threatening or abusive message, you should:
When chatting online, it’s important to be aware that:
If any type of abuse is happening through texts and phone calls, do not respond or answer calls from a withheld number. You can bar a specific number from calling you if you need to by contacting your mobile network provider.
It’s important to tell a trusted adult if you feel you are experiencing cyberbullying. Attempting to deal with the situation alone is really tricky and speaking to someone you trust can help.
Remember – it’s not your fault! If you feel like you can’t tell anyone you know about what’s happening, call ChildLine on 0800 1111 for support and advice.
Host – being kind online
National online safety – 14 acts of kindness
Be Kind Online
Be Kind teachers pack
