A new anti-cyberbullying campaign by Brimbank Council has launched, seeking to create safer online spaces.
Entitled ‘Be Kind Online’, the campaign encourages individuals to treat people online as they would in person.
Marking the campaign’s launch is a video on Council’s social media channels. Council encourages the community to spread the message by sharing the video to their networks using the hashtag #bekindonline.
As online communication rates have soared throughout the pandemic, it has become more important than ever to ensure that users feel safe from cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying is behaviour that takes place online that seeks to threaten, intimidate, harass or humiliate.
This behaviour can have a negative impact on a person’s mental health and wellbeing, is a significant problem for both young people and adults.
1 in 5 young people have experienced cyber bullying. Another 1 in 5 admit to being the perpetrators.
Some individuals are more likely to experience cyber bullying due to factors such as race, sexuality or gender.
Online abuse is dangerous not only for individuals, but for the broader community. Some individuals or groups may remain silent on important matters as they do not feel safe to participate.
“Our city’s greatest strength is our people and the wonderful diversity of people and cultures, we need to encourage everyone to feel safe to have their say,” said Brimbank Mayor Cr Ranka Rasic.
Cr Rasic herself has experienced cyberbullying, especially since her election in 2020.
“As a public figure I have been targeted by online trolls and bullies, and it is not okay. We need to be kind always – in person and online.” Cr Rasic said.
“While Council cannot control what people say or do on social media, we can call out bad behaviour and remind people to be respectful.”
