After reading about the White House Summit on Bullying Prevention I decided to check out some interesting campaigns produced by main stream media properties. MTV has a multi-platform campaign called “A Thin Line” that addresses the issue of digital abuse. The term digital abuse is meant to be broader than “cyberbullying” since texting or digital spying are just as central in how young people can be bullied with technology.
Are you playing a part in someone’s digital drama? This quiz from MTV may help you figure it out.
MTV is leveraging all digital platforms to spread the word about “A Thin Line.”
The MTV “Thin Line” site includes “Draw Your Line,” which features an interactive map that shows some of the positive steps being taken against digital abuse. On the map you can read about where young people have helped to disarm an online attack.
Also MTV and Common Sense Media have started a road show to promote the campaign in communities across the nation. Here is an example from Omaha, Nebraska:
Today’s teens and tweens encounter more sophisticated forms of bullying that are taking a real toll. It is really hard for parents or schools to know what is going on. They often make the mistake of thinking that it is less real, just because it is happening digitally.
More on this topic next time…
