In this unit of Health, we learned about staying safe online, by doing the right thing.
ERIC comes into play a lot, especially when online. There are people out there who just want to cause trouble, saying nasty things about others. It is important to stay assertive, and behave in a reasonable manner.
Showing empathy is extremely important, as it helps you to understand what others are going through. When people say mean things about someone’s post, they are not thinking about how that person would feel, or why they have posted it in the first place. This selfishness can cause a lot of harm, as that person may lose their confidence, and be really hurt by those nasty words. Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.
Showing respect towards both yourself and others can really make a difference. When you are attacked by ridiculous comments, give yourself respect, don’t let those words affect you and who you are. Block those people instead, or report them. This way, you are protecting yourself from those rude people on the internet, showing respect towards yourself. Also, respect others. Everyone deserves to be treated fairly, the way humans should be treated. Don’t make a rude comment about others, that doesn’t benefit anyone. Also, when you try to stand up for someone, it is important to be careful when posting a comment, as it is easy to start attacking the attacker, throwing some mean words towards them. Even though you are trying to do the right thing by standing up for someone, you too are turning into an attacker, as those rude words are posted online.
It is easy for people to lose their integrity online, saying things they would never say to someone in person. However, there really is no difference. Mean words still hurt, and your reputation would be destroyed by your comments. If everyone does the right thing on the internet, nobody would experience cyber bullying. Only those who don’t show integrity online post those insults. Do the right thing, even when nobody’s watching.
Courage is the main part of dealing with those impudent comments. You need to show courage, especially when people are saying rude things about you. Block them, report them. Tell someone about the situation you’re in. Try to stand up for yourself. Don’t be frightened to make a change, do something about it. Don’t tolerate that sort of behaviour.
Show some kindness.
Dolly’s Story was a tragic event that happened, because of cyber-bullying. She couldn’t handle it, and eventually took her life. Many people were not showing ERIC at all, in life or online. It got to the point when Dolly couldn’t take it anymore, and decided to not only end the bullying, but to end her life as well. It wasn’t worth it at all, just because of those foolish people. Rude, arrogant comments, no kindness at all. If there weren’t any nasty comments and people behaved assertively, then that incident wouldn’t have happened. Your behaviour could really impact those around you, from just being annoyed to losing a life.
Being responsible is a key part of how we should behave. Be an up-stander, not a by-stander. Be a leader. Make things right. Show some responsibility for what you do online.
My behaviour has changed during this unit, I used to skim through the comments, but now I don’t even bother. Some comments are just absurd. It’s extremely ridiculous to see how people post negative comments, even arguing with strangers online! Also, not only has it changed my online behaviour, it’s made me more aware of my behaviour in general, how I should always treat people with kindness, and show empathy, respect, integrity and courage at all circumstances.
I wish to see changes in the way people behave, that the next generation is taught about online behaviours, as the internet is becoming more powerful. Treat others with kindness, it doesn’t hurt to do so. By showing ERIC online can really impact someone’s life, to prevent problems occurring. Think about what people go through, whether you’re helping them, or instead, hurting them.
Think, will your behaviour hurt others. If so, then stop.