Banter or Bullying – Where is the Line?

Resources

Banter or Bullying – Where is the Line?

The widespread use of social media has introduced new terms.
What is banter? This English word refers to lighthearted, harmless jokes shared between friends, whether it’s a verbal exchange or a meme shared in a group chat. However, sometimes banter can cross friendly boundaries and turn into bullying without us even realizing it.

In the online space, it’s hard to draw a clear line between harmless jokes—banter—and bullying. Misinterpretation of comments or posts happens often since you can’t see the author’s face or hear their tone. You may not intend to hurt anyone, but what you see as a friendly joke could be seen as harassment by someone else. Here’s how to maintain friendly relationships:

Avoid particularly personal topics

Set some boundaries. Making jokes about someone’s appearance or personal identity characteristics, such as gender, race, sexuality, or religion, should not be fair game. Additionally, if you know someone well, you likely know what could hurt them. Even if they start a joke, it’s best to avoid sensitive topics if you know it might upset them.

Saying “I was just joking” doesn’t help after the fact

Even if you saw your words as a simple joke, if they upset someone, it’s best to apologize. Avoid debating what you intended with the joke, as this often escalates the situation. Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes and remember that apologizing is the best way to make things right.

Don’t be a passive observer

If you sense that someone has gone too far in a group chat, kindly suggest that their comment might be taken the wrong way—either by replying to the post or sending a direct message. When they realize their joke was inappropriate or excessive, they’ll likely stop. And if they don’t, seek help—report it or inform a trusted adult.

Related Resources

How to Avoid Unwanted Contact – Advice for Parents and Caregivers

The digital environment and the opportunities it provides play an increasingly crucial role in children’s lives. Online connections and relationships are one way for children to make friends. However, there are visible and invisible risks associated with these connections that can endanger children’s safety. Unwanted contact is any type of online communication that is uncomfortable, […]

Awareness of Cyberbullying Risks and Supporting Your Child – Advice for Parents and Caregivers

Cyberbullying involves using digital technology to demean, shame, harass, intimidate, or pressure a child. It can take various forms, such as sending insulting messages, spreading rumors, or sharing humiliating images or videos through social media, messaging platforms, gaming sites, or mobile phones. Creating fake accounts under someone else’s name to deceive or belittle them is […]

Banter or Bullying – Where is the Line?

The widespread use of social media has introduced new terms. What is banter? This English word refers to lighthearted, harmless jokes shared between friends, whether it’s a verbal exchange or a meme shared in a group chat. However, sometimes banter can cross friendly boundaries and turn into bullying without us even realizing it. In the […]

Science on Early Brain Development: Foundational Insights for a Sustainable Society

Scientific understanding of early brain development reveals why children’s development, especially from birth to age five, forms the foundation for a stable and thriving society. Research on early childhood development not only enhances policy and practices for children’s growth but also encourages new approaches and perspectives in decision-making. Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child […]

Executive Function Activities for Children 18 to 36 Months

At this stage of development, children are rapidly expanding their language skills. Language plays an essential role in developing executive function and self-regulation (EF/SR) by helping children label thoughts, actions, and plans. Bilingualism is also associated with improved EF/SR, so parents fluent in more than one language should use these languages in interactions with their […]

Executive Function Activities for Children Ages 3-5

During the ages of 3 to 5, children experience rapid growth in executive function and self-regulation skills. Activities should be adjusted according to each child’s abilities. Younger children need more guidance with rules and structure, while older children may demonstrate more independence. The goal is to gradually decrease adult guidance, allowing children to develop autonomy. […]

Executive Function Development Activities for Children Aged 5-7

Games that practice executive function and self-regulation skills support the use of these skills in various ways. Between ages 5 and 7, children enjoy games with rules at varying levels of interest and ability. Since these skills develop best with consistent challenges, choosing games that require effort without being too difficult is crucial for each […]

Executive Function Development Activities for Children Aged 7-12

The activities below help school-aged children develop their brain’s executive function and self-regulation skills. Consistently increasing the complexity of games and activities is essential for this age group. Board Games • Card Games: Games where children must track the cards in play enhance working memory, planning, and strategy development, boosting cognitive flexibility. For younger children, […]

Executive Function Activities for Children Ages 18 to 36 Months

At this developmental stage—ages 18 to 36 months—children are rapidly expanding their language skills. Language plays a vital role in developing executive function and self-regulation (EF/SR), as it helps children recognize, reflect on, and plan their actions. It also allows children to understand and follow more complex rules, including those governing behavior and play. Bilingualism […]