High Road Campaign (A Project Wilberforce Initiative)

Enough Is Enough^®® has remained steadfast in its efforts to thwart cyberbullying since the dawn of Web 2.0.  The "High Road campaign" is designed to confront the global epidemic of hate and cyberbullying by promoting civility, common decency and kindness.

The foundation of the "High Road Campaign" is promoting the practical application of the Golden Rule (“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”) and the principles of the Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi.  The “High Road Campaign” encourages parents to teach children to “walk the walk” as well as “talk the talk". It also challenges parents and all adults to model that behavior themselves, especially amidst heated social, political and controversial private and public debates, and encourages Americans, both young and old to constructively focus on what unites, rather than divides.

As part of the High Road campaign, EIE launched the "Random Posts of Kindness" and "Sweet Tweets" campaigns designed to generate a safer, more civil Internet and a reduction in cyberbullying, revenge porn and sexual exploitation online. Children and adults alike are encouraged to participate to create an online epidemic of dignity, respect, and kindness and can utilize EIE's platform of original graphics containing positive and uplifting messages to share on social media. Additionally, users can use the graphics to personalize their own messages.

There is no doubt that the treating the others they way you would want to be treated can make the digital world a kinder, more positive place. So, what might taking the High Road look like in the digital world?

• If you wouldn’t say something to a person’s face, don’t say it online.
• When conflicts move from online discussions to name calling and insulting words, it’s time to back down. Take the dialogue offline and resolve your differences there.

• When you notice someone ganging up on a fellow classmate, co-worker or friend in a post, tweet or message, instead of joining in on an online mob assault, decide to offer an encouraging word to help diffuse the situation.

• If you’ve been insulted or criticized on a social platform, don’t sink to the level of disrespect by responding with more disparaging words in return; rather, stand up for yourself in a mature manner, or ignore the comment all together.

• Ever been wrong about something, quickly admit it.  Your acknowledgement may even be well respected! In the same way, when proven right, avoid the temptation to boast.

• If you wronged someone, be swift take the high road and ask for forgiveness.

Consider the change we could make in the online (and offline!) world by simply taking the high road.  We’d likely see a drop in the 38 percent of students who report being cyberbullied online. Related issues of depression and suicide may also experience a decrease, and the internet would return to a place of information sharing and gathering as is was before social media hit the scene, as opposed to a form for attacks and humiliation. Taking the high road can be your way of making the world we live in a better place.