London (CNN Business) The Church of England has launched its first set of guidelines for social media, designed to make online platforms happier places.

The aim is to tackle online abuse and misleading content as well as making for a more positive atmosphere online, according to a press release.

Social media has "many joys" but also "a number of downsides," said the church. The guidelines include calls to "treat others how you would wish to be treated" and "think before you post."

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, unveiled the guidelines at Facebook's UK headquarters on Monday.

Social media has 'a number of downsides,' according to the church.

"Social media has transformed the way we live our lives. As Christians we are called to engage in a way which is shaped by the example of Jesus," Welby said in a press release.

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