{"id":2750,"date":"2020-05-18T12:42:14","date_gmt":"2020-05-18T12:42:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/host-students.com\/uncategorized\/being-kind-online\/"},"modified":"2025-10-09T08:33:47","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T08:33:47","slug":"being-kind-online","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/host-students.com\/information\/being-kind-online\/","title":{"rendered":"Mental Health Awareness Week: Being kind online"},"content":{"rendered":"

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week<\/a> (18th<\/sup>-24th<\/sup> May 2020), and the theme this year is \u2018kindness\u2019.<\/p>\n

In recent months, we\u2019ve seen big changes to our day-to-day lives due to the coronavirus. It\u2019s been a worrying time for everyone; and those who already live with mental health problems are facing extra challenges.<\/p>\n

However, among all the worry, we have seen so much love and support in the offline world. Communities across the country have come together. So many people have shown wonderful acts of kindness which should be celebrated. But what about the online world?<\/p>\n

The online world<\/strong><\/h3>\n

During a time when movement is restricted, the online world has had a positive impact. People have been able to stay connected with friends and families; learning has continued online; and many people are able to work from home thanks to the internet.<\/p>\n

Sadly though, there are still people hiding behind screens and keyboards not being so kind; online (cyber) bullying still exists.<\/p>\n

What is online bullying?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Online (Cyber) bullying<\/a> can be defined as: using information and communication technologies to display deliberate, repeated and hostile behaviour to hurt, harass or harm others.<\/p>\n

From harassment and stalking, to impersonation and exclusion, there are many forms of online bullying. But just a small action online can also be classed as bullying too. For example, leaving a hurtful or rude comment on someone\u2019s status or sharing something online about someone else.<\/p>\n

Potentially, vast numbers of people can witness a cyber-bullying incident take place. There is the relatively new phenomenon of something \u2018going viral\u2019 to deal with. This is the way in which the internet can be used to spread an act of bullying to thousands, even millions of people.<\/p>\n

Being bullied online can have a detrimental effect on a person and their mental health. It can affect a person\u2019s self-esteem, confidence and social skills. In many cases people who have been bullied have left school, work and social networks to escape their bullying.<\/p>\n

As we’ve seen in recent months, the media is full of high-profile cases of people\u00a0taking their own lives. Often due to them suffering from cyber-bullying and the spreading of their humiliation. This is a clear indicator of just how dangerous cyber-bullying can be.<\/p>\n

Think before you type<\/strong><\/h3>\n