At National Online Safety, we provide multi-award-winning online safety education for the whole school community. It’s our mission to make the internet a safer place for children. We believe that when children go online to learn, communicate or play, they should be able to do so safely. That’s why we provide schools all over the world with the knowledge they need in order to tackle new and evolving online risks.
Online Banter
Gentle leg-pulling or joking with friends online can be an amusing, identity-affirming aspect of our digital lives - but at the same time, the concept of 'banter' also provides a convenient fig-leaf which more malicious individuals often hide behind. Our short video examines this complex and often sensitive subject.
What is online banter?
Banter is a term that describes the jovial teasing or talk amongst friends. It is often used to help establish a sense of belonging, understood only by the group or between a select few.
Used this way it can be enjoyed and provide a source of good-natured fun or entertainment.
However, when banter comes into contact with the outside world, including online, without the benefit of facial expressions, body language, tone of voice and context, things can easily be misinterpreted.
There is a risk that bullying behaviour can be excused as ‘banter’ and statements often said in jest can sound hostile, derogatory, or racist.
For more information on the associated risks and online safety tips for parents and carers, watch our explainer video, available to those with a National Online Safety membership.
