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Donald Trump

Melania Basically Just Told Us to Not Act Like Her Husband Online

The first lady just came out with a pretty good guide to online behavior that Donald Trump should probably read.
Photos via Getty

Melania Trump unveiled her new anti-bullying initiative on Monday. Puzzlingly titled "BE BEST," the project aims to encourage "children to BE BEST in their individual paths, while also teaching them the importance of social, emotional, and physical health," according to the White House website. "BE BEST will concentrate on three main pillars: well-being, social media use, and opioid abuse."

It kicked off with a guide for parents titled "Talking with Kids About Being Online," which honestly contains some pretty good advice once you look past the part where it mostly seems to be a repackaging of a 2014 guide produced by Barack Obama's Federal Trade Commission. But there is perhaps some… tension between Melania's strong stance on proper online behavior and the behavior of the most online member of her household, Donald Trump.

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So instead of annotating the BE BEST guide for myself, I decided to have the president do it instead. Let's see if Melania's better half agrees with her advice:

"Communicating online is a way of life, yet it comes with certain risks. Some people online have bad intentions. They might be bullies."

"Tweens need to feel 'independent' but not alone as they start exploring on their own… They still need guidance to help them understand which sources are trustworthy."

"However, they need to learn how to exercise judgment about being safe online and act in accordance with their family ethic."

"I don't think Ivanka would do that, although she does have a very nice figure. I've said if Ivanka weren't my daughter, perhaps I'd be dating her."
–Donald Trump on The View, 2006.

"Even the most tech-savvy kids need to understand that… information or images they share can be seen far and wide… once something is posted online, it’s nearly impossible to take it back."

"Remind them that real people with real feelings are behind profiles, screen names, and avatars."

"Some pitfalls that come with online socializing are sharing too much information, or posting pictures, videos, or words that can damage a reputation or hurt someone’s feelings."

"Women, you have to treat them like shit."
Donald Trump to New York Magazine, 1992.

"Post only what [you’re] comfortable with others seeing."

"Cyberbullying is bullying or harassment that happens online… It might involve rumors or images posted on someone’s profile or circulated for others to see."

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"Don’t react to the bully."

"Block or delete the bully."

"Sexting: Don't Do It"

"Encourage manners."

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