Our Social Media Resilience eLearning course provides a clear focus on the challenges faced by local government officials in Australia. Given the increasing penetration of social media and its potential for misuse – councillors, their families, and staff are increasingly exposed to online abuse.
Key factors contributing to the need for resilience
- Public scrutiny: Local government officials often find themselves in the public spotlight, making them vulnerable to online attacks.
- Anonymity and lack of accountability: The anonymity afforded by social media platforms can embolden individuals to engage in harmful behaviour.
- Emotional impact: Online bullying and harassment can have severe emotional and psychological consequences.
- Reputational damage: Negative online content can damage the reputation of individuals and their organisations.
Specific challenges faced by Australian Local Government officials
- Regional and rural communities: Officials in smaller communities may face heightened scrutiny due to the close-knit nature of their communities.
- Political polarisation: The increasing polarisation of Australian politics can exacerbate online attacks.
- Cultural factors: Australia’s multicultural society can introduce additional complexities into online interactions.
The importance of resilience training
The Social Media Resilience course is essential for equipping local government employees with the tools to:
- Identify and address online abuse.
- Develop strategies to protect themselves and their families.
- Build resilience to negative online content.
- Leverage social media effectively while minimising risks.
By understanding the specific challenges faced by Australian local government officials and providing targeted training, this course can help create a safer and more supportive online environment for these public servants.
For more information about our Social Media Resilience eLearning course please contact us.
