No Voice to Violence

None of us like to see someone getting hurt. And no one wants to add to their pain. Unfortunately, when fights are uploaded and shared online, it makes things worse and fuels more violence. You can also get into trouble with the law for participation in violence.

How does sharing and liking make it worse?

• More people see what happened – which can be embarrassing.
• Friends and family also see the fight.
• It is a permanent reminder of the fight.
• They are linked to the fight forever.
• Some find it hard to go to school and concentrate in class.
• Some are afraid they will be hurt again.
• Some lose interest in socialising and having fun.

Any involvement in violence is illegal

Even if you are under the age of 18 you can still get in trouble with the law for being involved in a fight. This includes fighting someone, or for helping or encouraging someone to fight another person. The punishment will depend on how serious the charge is, if there is a criminal record, and other personal circumstances.

You can get in trouble with the law if you:

• Organise a fight.
• Stop the victim from getting away or from leaving the assault.
• Shout out words of encouragement. For example: yell out words like “go on, hit them.”
• Film a young person fighting.
• Post or share a video of a young person in a fight on social media.
• Keep a video of a fight involving a young person that was sent to you, whether you asked for the footage or not.
• Ask someone to send you a video of a fight involving a young person.

For more information on what can happen if you get involved, go to Legal Aid WA