Politicians and councillors in Swansea have raised concerns about the increasing problem of online social media abuse. The issue was discussed during a council meeting where several members shared their experiences of facing online harassment. The council members highlighted that online abuse and bullying have become rampant, particularly affecting women in politics, leading to feelings of anxiety, fear, and even illness.
Huwe Evans, the author of a draft guide on handling online harassment and the council’s head of democratic services, expressed concerns that the abuse could potentially lead to councillors resigning from their positions. The draft guide acknowledged that while social media can be a powerful tool for communication, the downside is the rising levels of abuse directed towards politicians. Councillors Wendy Lewis and Adam Davis shared their own encounters with online abuse, with Councillor Davis reporting a recent death threat made against an MP.
During the meeting, Councillor Francesca O’Brien raised the issue of the public becoming overly familiar with councillors in real life, sometimes crossing boundaries that lead to discomfort. Councillor Brigitte Rowlands emphasised the importance of maintaining respectful interactions between councillors, especially during politically charged times like elections. The councillors discussed the need for guidelines on personal safety for councillors, including tips on holding public events like surgeries to address community concerns.
The draft guide discussed in the meeting is based on a document by the Local Government Association (LGA) and its Welsh counterpart, focusing on strategies to mitigate online abuse and intimidation. The LGA guide noted that councillors should not have to tolerate abusive behaviour and that addressing these issues promptly is essential to ensure councillors’ safety. Additionally, the committee delved into discussions on personal safety measures for councillors, such as holding public engagements to connect with constituents.
Councillor Peter May shared his experiences of facing online harassment, mentioning instances where individuals targeted him on social media, possibly under the influence of alcohol. The discussions also touched on incidents of physical threats, like Councillor Stuart Rice having his car windshield vandalised. The dialogue underscored the human aspect of councillors who face threats and abuse as they carry out their public duties.
The growing menace of online abuse towards politicians and councillors underscores the importance of creating a safe environment for public servants to carry out their responsibilities. The council’s efforts to address this issue and provide guidance on personal safety demonstrate a proactive approach to safeguarding councillors from online harassment. The challenges posed by online abuse highlight the need for ongoing support and resources to combat this growing problem in the realm of politics and public service.