Learn how to be aware of the Internet’s pitfalls and create healthy online friendships.
The internet is a fast-moving and social digital world. It can be a place where happy and healthy life-long friendships are formed. Through bonding over similar niche interests with pen pals across the globe or sharing your favourite memes with close friends, the online space is an amazingly open place. However, where there are great relationships, there is also bullying and toxic behaviour.
Part of being online is knowing what it means to be a digital citizen, how you can be the best version of yourself online, and how to manage difficult digital situations. Many of us use social media, online forums, and text messaging for a large amount of our interactions day-to-day. It’s now a normal part of life, meaning it’s super important to maintain healthy friendships through technology. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are all just ways to talk, after all.
When you’re online, treat people as you would talking to them face-to-face, expect them to respond the way they would in person, and always be polite and courteous. Remember, everyone online has feelings and thoughts, just like yourself. It’s important to be inclusive and respectful to everybody.
FIND PEOPLE YOU CONNECT WITH
If you find it difficult to speak with people or make new friends in your everyday life, maybe social media is the space for you. Online media empowers those who are nervous or introverted in real-life social situations. Chat about your favourite topics with friendly people who are more than happy to make new pals. Find a group that loves your favourite hobby or television show, make a simple “hello” post and start talking. The best part is how easy it is to find others with the same passions as you!
Over half of teens have been bullied online and a similar amount engage in cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is just that; making fun or discriminating against someone over the internet. Don’t let simple words phase you and never send hateful messages as it can turn a free space into a toxic world.
REACH OUT WHEN YOU NEED SUPPORT
Several support and service organisations are available with resources on respectful digital behaviour. CheckPoint (checkpointorg.com) is a charity with mental health info for anyone who plays video games. They help people be friendly and highlight how online gaming can be a welcoming and happy community. CheckPoint raises awareness for healthy and polite online gaming, building a safe world where games can be used to treat mental health. Headspace (headspace.org.au) is another group supporting Australian youth. According to their website,
more than 75% of mental health issues develop before turning 25. That’s why it’s important to be nice to others online! Headspace has over one hundred national centres and has helped teenagers with their internet troubles over three million times. The group has an online safe space, a national telehealth service, school programs, and study support services. They specialise in understanding the current impact of social media and are always ready to compassionately care for anyone.
Web spaces and social media are wonderful places to thrive, make friends, and discover new interests. Try not to let words or images hurt you online – always remember the saying “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me!” But if they do, it’s okay for you to take a break from your screen. Building loving relationships and discovering yourself by connecting with friends and family will always be a powerful way to ground yourself. So when you’re online, have fun, always be respectful, and enjoy the freedom of the digital world.
SEVEN QUICK TIPS TO BUILD LASTING FRIENDSHIPS ONLINE:
- Treat others the way you want to be treated.
- Act like you would in real life or in person.
- Be respectful of everyone’s values.
- Never discriminate or send hateful messages.
- Don’t share your information with people you don’t trust.
- Keep in contact and stay up to date with your online friends.
- Lend a digital helping hand if a friend is in need.
HOW TO STAY SAFE AND HAPPY ONLINE:
- Talk with people who share happy thoughts.
- Stay on websites that are well-known and safe.
- Use filters to block harmful content or people.
- Unfollow pages or groups that share unpleasant material.
- Keep your social media feed exciting by liking and sharing positive content.
- Don’t forget to go outside and hang out with your friends in person!
If you or a friend are having issues online and seek support or counselling, encourage an anonymous chat with the concerned people from any of the organisations below.
Lifeline – call 13 11 14 or visit Lifeline.org.au
Kids Help Line – call 1800 55 1800 or visit Kidshelp.com.au
Beyond Blue – call 1300 22 4636 or visit Beyondblue.org.au
