I refer to the article entitled ‘Sharp rise in online hate speech’, (The Sunday Times of Malta, September 2).

Freedom of speech is a fundamental human right but abusing this right poses problems. The growing use of online social forums has without doubt become a headache for the authorities. And the moderation of hate speech is not easy for those administering the forums either.

The use of social media has skyrocketed, which in itself is not a problem. The problem, however, is that many people have no clue how to behave in the virtual world.

Essentially, participating in an online forum discussion is a means of communicating our ideas. It gives us the chance to have our say without anyone interrupting us or ignoring us while we speak. Now that is powerful indeed.

However, our communication skills are instilled in us during childhood. Maltese who have had poor role models will suffer in the real world by behaving badly. Naturally this is reflected and amplified in the virtual world.

One has to be careful as many find themselves in trouble for speaking without thinking. In the virtual world, caution, where one has the advantage of having time to reflect, is doubly important.

People also do not realise that electronic mail can be used as evidence against them. The spoken word can be misconstrued or forgotten. The written word, especially the electronic one, which is so easily tracked to its source, is admissible as evidence in a court of law.

The article in question highlighted the ethical and legal aspects of the online hate speech. Threatening individuals or groups who cannot reply for whatever reason – either because they lack knowledge of the language or because they do not have access to what was said about them – is not on ethically. It is also a legal offence.

Which begs the question: if adults behave in such an infantile manner on social media, should children be allowed to make use of such means of communication? My answer would be no.

The problem is that school age children, who seem able to handle technology from birth, still manage to create social media accounts. This is a legal headache for both parents and the authorities.

Mass education on the proper use of social media seems key here. The only difficulty is how to achieve it and who is to provide it. Some people may not know that Facebook provides the facility of reporting illicit or unethical behaviour and of unfriending anyone whom you find offensive for whatever reason.

Moreover, if any newspaper wants to hear the public’s opinion on its articles, it should moderate that forum and warn anyone about poor online behaviour, or simply not publish the comment while expelling the perpetrator from the forum. Accountability should be across the board.