Hello and yes, I am back again.
It’s taken me quite a while to get back into the flow of
things, but I’ve been planning a few things and am ready to get going again!
This isn’t the post I intended to come back with but after the news of TV
presenter Caroline Flacks’ death yesterday I feel this is more important than
anything else I could write at the moment. Whilst this post is not solely about Flacks death; but it has
triggered it, so I see it best to briefly mention it and why it has spurred on
this post.
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| Laura Whitmore produced this statement on 5live. |
Caroline’s death comes as a shock to most, but it comes
after relentless hounding in the media and it is not the first time it has
happened, and if something doesn’t change it won’t be the last either. Everyone
likes to believe they are an advocate for mental health when these tragedies
happen, but within a couple of days things revert back to normality and the
online trolling begins again and before we know it we’re in this vicious and
repetitive cycle. The worst part of it all is the hideous hypocrisy of news
outlets, journalists and those on social media; see the work of celebrity
journalist Dan Wootton.
So, what’s next? CHANGE. Whilst OFCOM is soon to become the
new regulators for online platforms, the regulations for online media sourcing
and all journalism are still weak and practically non-existent. Scrutiny,
malice and fabricated material is printed daily, and it causes detrimental
damage to individuals as we have seen, but is it classed as defamation? No,
because it’s classified as ‘free speech’. But is what you’re saying really free
if the end cost physically hurts and tears a person apart? No. That’s why this
petition has been created for those in the public eye due to the mass of hate
received when a large profile is gained.
CAROLINES LAW
Stephanie Davis started this petition stating that:
There should be new & stricter laws around safeguarding people in the public eye. These laws should be put in place to prevent the newspapers, magazines, all forms of media harming those involved in an attempt to prevent self-harm, suicide, substance abuse, and poor mental health.
If this law was to go ahead, alongside the upcoming aid of
OFCOM the media industry including print and online should become a safer and
more enjoyable platform to be a part of with less negativity and more support
when needed. If you can do something to help a bad situation, then do. I will
be emailing OFCOM myself and any other regulatory bodies of online websites in
an attempt to highlight the urgent need for stricter guidelines when using
these platforms & more severe consequences in place for those who are
wrongly using them.
As I come to the end of a very heavy post, I hope you come away from this with much to think about. How do you treat others? Do you think your words are harming people? How can you help make a positive change? I will leave some links below for those who are interested in more, but I will leave it there. I hope to be back soon with a more lighthearted post & to resume a positive role online.
Until next time,
Shannon xx
Useful Links:
- OFCOM
