Respect is everyone’s role. Port Stephens Mayor calls for better behaviour online

Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson has issued a call for unity and action, urging the community to stand together against poor behaviour on social media and help restore respectful and constructive online conversations.

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“For too long, we’ve let people make hurtful and inappropriate comments online that we’d never put up with face to face,” Mayor Anderson said.

“This isn’t just ‘unacceptable’, it’s truly damaging to individuals and it chips away at the very fabric of our community.

Mayor Anderson stated that over the last 6 months, there’s been a documented rise in negative, and at times abusive comments directed at Councillors, Council staff, and community members.

“The Port Stephens I’m proud to represent is built on values of respect and kindness,” Mayor Anderson said.

“We’re a diverse community with different backgrounds, different beliefs, and different voices – that’s what makes this place so special.

“But the actions of a small group of people online are really undermining that. When conversations get nasty or aggressive, it just shuts people down. They don’t feel safe to speak up or get involved.

“That’s not just disappointing, it’s genuinely harmful. It impacts people’s heads and hearts, stops good ideas from being heard, and weakens the very community spirit we’re all trying to build,” she added.

At last Tuesday’s Council meeting, Mayor Anderson asked Council to join together to support healthier, more respectful online engagement.

“This isn’t about shutting down discussion, it’s about setting a standard,” Mayor Anderson said.

“Everyone has the right to be heard, but that right comes with a responsibility to be respectful," she said.

The Mayor said that standing by in silence only allows the behaviour to continue and that it’s time for the whole community to step up.

“We all have a role to play in calling out poor online behaviour when we see it. Our kids are watching, and the tone we set today shapes how they engage with each other tomorrow.

“Social media can be a powerful tool for sharing opinions and ideas – but we need to do it in a way that respects others, even when we disagree,” Mayor Anderson said.

Mayor Anderson encouraged community members to continue sharing feedback with Council and councillors, but to do so constructively and with kindness.

“I was elected on a platform of transparency and respect, and I want people to feel safe to engage with their Council and with each other, online and offline.

“We’re a proud, inclusive, and resilient community, and together, we can keep it that way,” Mayor Anderson concluded.