Choose Respect Bunbury has launched a social media campaign to remind people that “words can wound.”
Choose Respect Bunbury chairman Peter Rigden said the campaign was targeted at social media users of all ages.
“Social media can be a great communication tool but all too often people are being hurt and deeply impacted by the words of others,” Mr Rigden said.
“We want the Choose Respect hashtag to be more prominent on social media on a local level to remind people to stop and think before they post.
“Posting a comment can take seconds but the long-term implications can be long lasting.
“It’s a normal human reaction to be offended at times but social media isn’t a good outlet to release that. We have to remember there is a real person on the other side with real feelings.
“What we want to encourage people to do is stop and think before you post.”
It’s the same message the committee of volunteers has been spreading throughout the community since 2008. The Choose Respect message has been a prominent one in local schools, businesses, sporting clubs and community organisations.
Mr Rigden said community feedback had encouraged them to focus on social media through a campaign targeted at the everyday user.
“This isn’t focused on trolls and bullies but instead, everyday users of all ages and backgrounds,” Mr Rigden said.
“Keep your cool and stop and think before you post.
“We never know what someone sitting at another keyboard is going through, what health conditions they may have or what family troubles they’re experiencing.
If more of us choose kinder words, the social media realm will be a much nicer space for everyone to be informed and entertained.
“Keyboard warriors can wound and the scars are lasting.”
Social media users are being encouraged to use the #chooserespect hashtag on social media when appropriate to encourage kinder conversations.
They are also encourage to follow the Choose Respect Bunbury Facebook page, facebook.com/ChooseRespectBunbury and share posts relating to the campaign.
