The online world has done so much to connect us and to provide us with information and entertainment. But, there is a dark side to the internet, with bullies hiding behind usernames and avatars posting comments with cruel intent. Emma, one of our current Somerset Members of Youth Parliament has written an article on this very subject, promoting the importance of kindness.
The House of Commons was an event that is heavily anticipated in the Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) calendar; Debating, learning, listening… receiving hate online about your looks, your choice of words, your morals and what you stand for. Oh, wait no, definitely not!
No one anticipated the hate that was lashed across the Youth Parliament after social media’s algorithm got a hold of the sitting in November.
“Ban this woke nonsense”
“Bring back bullying”
“Refer most of its members to mental health specialists”
“Disgusting woke programme”
“Youth Parliament or mental health crisis centre?”
And the list of rude and spiteful comments goes on, highlighting zoomed in photos of certain MYPs, picking apart what they say, what they wear, their own experiences.
While I am a firm believer that social media is a force for good for young people, this illustrates the dark side of social media as “keyboard warriors” dish out hate without consequences.
While the House of Commons is not falling short of positive feedback and support, these spiteful comments remind young people and adults alike of what the internet and social media can also do. More often than not these flaws in the social media presence of young people are hyper fixated on by adults and news articles catalysing the stereotype of young people on social media.
The imposition of public opinion onto young people in Youth Parliament could be deterring potential MYPs away attending because they’re worried about what an anonymous typer will say about them. Youth Parliament is such a well-established organisation that deserves praise and positivity for the effort and energy that goes into this programme, which is phenomenal. As a community of young people we owe everyone, MYPs, support workers and the steering group respect at least. We owe them respect and dignity in recognition of the work that they do to universally to help promote youth voice.
Why are young people tearing each other down for their opinions? Why aren’t we trying to create an environment on the national stage that welcomes diverse ideas and opinions? Encourages people to meet and learn about others who have different experiences to them?
Why don’t we just choose kindness?
If you take anything from this article, remember, spreading hate online is never the way to go. Spreading hate at any time is never the way to go. While life often feels hectic and agitated, hate and tearing other people down is not the way to express your feelings. Talk to others about how you feel. But most importantly try and be kind towards everyone.
Emma
Not just elected members
Did you know that Somerset Youth Parliament isn’t just it’s elected members? Any young person in Somerset aged 10-25 years can become a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group.
For more information about becoming a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group and to join, visit our Join Us page.
