‘What would your mother say?’ New Zealand urges citizens to wind back online rage

Experts say pandemic pressures have contributed to a huge increase in abuse and antisocial behaviour

Faced with a rising tide of acrimony, rage, and online crankiness, New Zealand has launched a nationwide campaign to try to calm its citizenry down.

Over the summer, pastel posters began cropping up around the cities, asking New Zealanders to dial it down a notch," read it before you hit enter," and comment with dignity". Cartoon characters entreat keyboard warriors to take a breath, and consider what would your mother say?"