In the past month, the nation has come face-to-face with an alarming epidemic among its youth: bullying, cyber bullying and teen suicide. As a platform that enables any person or organization to create a social website, we intrinsically understand the power of the social Web. It lets people gather around and connect directly with the organizations, artists, politicians, non-profit and brands that matter most to them. Anyone can instantly share, engage in a conversation, and connect with other people who share similar interests—to be social online. But just like in real life, bullying can happen online too.
Ning is the platform that enables people to freely and safely share their ideas and thoughts. As an employee who’s constantly in touch with members of our platform, I want to highlight the handy tools we have to empower Ning Creators to prevent aggressive, hateful behavior within their social communities:
• Ning Safety Center and Network Creator Safety and Policy Resources – Here you can learn all things related to creating a safe and secure online community
• Teen Safety Tips - Tips on protecting privacy and staying safe for teens
• “Report an Issue” link - It’s at the bottom of every page and allows your members to report objectionable content to you
If there's anything that should be reported to Ning, don't hesitate to contact us. If someone you know is a victim and in need of help, you can reach out to one of the following national suicide prevention lines:
• Trevor Lifeline - 1-866-4-U-TREVOR (1-866-488-7386)
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
To anyone out there feeling alone or different, you’re not alone. There are many communities on the Ning Platform where you can also find support:
• No Dumb Questions
• OUTtv Socialize
• The Bully Suicide Project
• Swirl Radio
• Orange County Equality Coalition
• National Marriage Boycott
• QueerToday.com
• Cafe Q – Sacramento
• The Something Awesome Project
Reposted from The Ning Blog.
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Comments
Thank you for this post Jason.....
@Marlene, You're absolutely right-- bullying can and does happen to any person, not just teens. Given the recent coverage of events involving teens, we though we'd focus on that particular issue, which might already be on the minds of Network Creators. That said, I hope the resources I've outlined in my post can be applied in other circumstances to further help Network Creators and community manager keep their social communities safe and open places.
Marlene
I agree with Jen that online bullies are a serious issue and have caused horrible, emotional pain/hurt to innocent people. As Peace typed, we should be thinking about this as nc's. As a creator, it will NOT be tolerated on my network!