Together we’re stronger & Your Voice Matters
Have you seen a post or a comment on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or another social media and thought “that’s just not right”, but haven’t been sure what to say?
If you’ve always wanted to step in and say something, we’re here to help. This toolkit gives you a range of strategies and suggestions for how to intervene.
Even if you’ve never thought about intervening, now is the time to realise the importance of stepping in to say something when you see discrimination and harassment.
GEN VIC has developed a social media toolkit and video, the first of this kind in the world, to help people become active bystanders on social media.
The toolkit aims to help get you inspired to stand up for what you think is right online and step in when you see someone participating in or encouraging discrimination.
An active bystander is someone who says or does something when they see harassment and discrimination. You can be an active bystander online by using the suggestions in the toolkit and video.
Let us know what you think of the resources by emailing caitlin.mcgrane@genvic.org.au.
While we think it’s really important for us all to stand up for what we believe in, we also strongly believe that your safety comes first. If a situation seems too risky, don’t feel pressured to get involved. Do what you can, like take screenshots, report posts to social media platforms, and report any serious harassment to the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.
If you’re being harassed or threatened by someone online, you are not alone. In cases of serious harassment we suggest you contact:
- Your local police station
- The Office of the eSafety Commissioner if the abuse is image-based
- 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
- Lifeline (13 11 14)
- Social media platform administrators
Stay safe and look out for each other.
Looking for more ways to be an active bystander?
- Share the toolkit and video on your social media
- Join HeartMob – this organisation helps connect people who want to be active bystanders with those experiencing harassment and abuse online
Further information
- Media release: A new approach to preventing online harassment of women
- The Guardian article: Online sexism targeted in world-first ‘bystander’ project