How can I deal with online bullying and trolls? Daniel Howell and LGBTQ YouTubers share tips and advice
"Dealing with trolls online - or in real life - is something that all of us in the LGBT community have had to deal with."
By Will Stroude
As part of a new four-part video series to coincide with World Mental Health Day (10 October), Daniel Howell has teamed up with Attitude and LGBTQ content creators to share tips and advice for staying mentally healthy and happy.
After tackling social media addiction and sleep issues, part three sees 29-year-old Dan discuss online bullying, trolls, and general internet unpleasantness with YouTubers Corey Schultz, Emi Salida, Justin ‘King of Reads’, Jessica Kellgren-Fozard, Dion Yorkie, Sebb Argo and Jamie Rutter.
“Dealing with trolls online – or in real life – is something that all of us in the LGBT community have had to deal with”, says Dan, who opens up about his mental health and coming out journey in the Attitude November issue – out now to download and to order globally.
“It’s safe to say that as someone who’s spent their entire life on the internet, I’ve seen some stuff. You just need to remind yourself that you’re valid, you’re doing nothing wrong bothering these people simply by existing.
“The best thing to do is just to mute them and let them scream into the void as you go about your day. It feels powerful.”
Here are tips and advice for dealing with online trolls and bullies from Daniel and the group:
- Private messages are less confrontational and may result in calmer conversation
- It’s not your responsibility to confrton people’s bigotry
- Calling people out is sometimea the jolt people need
- Some trolls are compensating for their own insecurities
- Taking the high road often disarms people
- Being LGBTQ does not mean you can’t be a troll
- If a troll refuses to try and see another point of view, step away!
Daniel Howell’s mental health book/self-help guide ‘You Will Get Through This Night’ is set for release in May 2021.
The Attitude November issue is out now to download and to order globally.
Subscribe in print and get your first three issues for just £3, or digitally for just £1.54 per issue.
