I almost kept scrolling.

That’s often the easiest choice — to avoid the negativity, disengage, and protect our own peace. But sometimes, staying silent feels heavier than speaking up. And as we approach Christmas, a season meant to centre kindness, connection, and compassion, this felt like one of those moments.

Bullying doesn’t stop in childhood.

It simply changes platforms.

There Is a Human Behind Every Screen

Social media has a way of creating distance. It can make it easier to forget that there is a real person on the other side of the screen — someone with a story, stressors, responsibilities, and challenges we cannot see.

When adults criticize, shame, or label others online, it isn’t “just an opinion.” It’s peer bullying.

We do not know why someone is asking a question, seeking support, or making a particular choice for their family. And truthfully, we are not entitled to that information.

Freedom of Choice Deserves Respect

We live in a society where families have the right to make decisions that work best for them — including choices around education, parenting, and mental health supports. Homeschooling, traditional schooling, alternative schedules, or seeking extra help are all valid paths.

Disagreeing is allowed.
Disrespecting is not.

Calling someone “entitled” without understanding their circumstances adds harm, not insight. If something doesn’t resonate with you or apply to your life, the most respectful response is often the simplest one: keep scrolling.

The Pause We All Need

Before posting a comment, it’s worth pausing to ask:

• Is this kind?
• Is this necessary?
• Is this helpful?

If the answer is no, it may be a sign that the comment doesn’t need to be shared.

Many of us were taught a simple but powerful lesson growing up: if you have nothing kind to say, it’s okay to say nothing at all. That wisdom still applies — perhaps now more than ever.

Choosing Compassion — Especially Now

This time of year can be incredibly heavy for many people. Financial stress, family strain, grief, burnout, and mental health challenges often intensify during the holidays. Words matter. Tone matters. And how we show up for one another matters.

Let’s choose compassion.
Let’s choose curiosity over judgment.
And let’s remember the humanity behind every post.

Because kindness costs nothing — and it can mean everything.