Where is the line between bullying and banter?

28th July, 2023    |    By  Project Rockit    |     427

Bantering with your mates is super fun, until it crosses the line. But where is this line between friendly digs and occasionally pointed banter between mates, and intentionally hurtful comments that tear you down? And in the messy and complex online world that leaves so many things open to interpretation, how do you tell the difference? That’s why we created In Real Life (IRL), our 100% youth-created series that’s reimagining online issues through the eyes of young people. In this episode of #IRL, Michael & Reanna discuss how to understand the nuance of online banter and jokes. To watch the full video and learn more about In Real Life, head to [https://bit.ly/3DqLGdB] 🚀


Also check the related topics:  

Bullying Cyberbullying

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Video Transcription

Where is the line between bullying and banter?

Personally, for me, I would know if I were to say something to Michael and he wouldn’t respond in the same tone as me, or if he/she wouldn’t respond at all. I would know then that’s not okay and that I’ve overstepped a line.

[Music]

It’s that back and forth, and it’s equally just as jokingly mean. I think you can pick up whether or not it’s okay. Yeah, I think it’s about taking the time beforehand, like before that sort of boundary stage, to sort of see how that person is and how they react to this sort of thing.

But, um, it’s mostly picking up the vibes and seeing what’s… I know it’s a very vague term, but picking up the vibes and seeing, you know, am I overstepping? And if you’re not overstepping, then it is just friendly banter.

How do you test the waters and figure out Rihanna’s favourite term—“the vibe”?

Um, I think it’s less about figuring out the vibe and more about building the relationship to a point where you can have that sort of banter. I think that’s sort of what the vibe is—where someone draws the line.

One of the big things, as well, is most of the time when people make fun of me in that joking way, I know it is a joke because if they actually genuinely didn’t like me, they probably wouldn’t be making jokes like that.

There’s really no coming back from a big slip-up, even little ones. Like, you can sort of taint your relationship forever.

So, yeah. Let me know what you think, Rihanna.

I am the vibe. I’m so much of the vibe, Michael.

Um, jokes of you, Michael.

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