Wellbeing Weekly: Managing Online Conflict
Each week Gleneagles provide our Wellbeing News - your space for practical tips and conversations around health and wellbeing. Each edition explores a variety of topics designed to inspire wellbeing across our community.
Disagreements and misunderstandings can happen online, but it's important to handle them in a respectful and responsible way.
Why Online Conflict Can Be Harmful
Online conflict can hurt people's feelings.
Mean comments, arguments, or bullying can make others feel sad, upset, or excluded. Remember, if you wouldn't say it face-to-face, don't post it online.
Messages can be misunderstood.
When people cannot hear your tone of voice or see your facial expressions, they may take messages the wrong way and start arguments.
Problems can spread quickly.
Posts, comments, and messages can be shared widely and rapidly, turning a small disagreement into a much bigger issue.
It can affect your reputation.
What you share online can remain visible for a long time and may influence how others see you.
It wastes time and causes stress.
Online arguments can leave people feeling angry, distracted, and worried, taking their focus away from more positive activities.
Principles to follow:
Think before you postConsider how your words might affect others.
Be respectful and kindTreat people online the same way you would like to be treated.
Stay calm and avoid responding when angryTake a break and think before replying.
Block, mute, or report harmful behaviourUse available tools to protect yourself and others.
Ask a trusted adult for helpIf a situation is making you uncomfortable or feels unsafe, seek support from a parent, teacher, or another trusted adult.
Need support?
Email: wellbeing@gleneagles.vic.edu.