New resources getting people thinking about cyberbullying and the influence technology has on childhood
Providing a voice for youth issues online, Sweet As Social Media continues to showcase its "YouTube Booth" at various events to engage and gain insight from youth, while also preparing to launch the first edition of its new magazine targeting parents and general users of social media sites and services.
The magazine – Virtual Realities – focuses on the ongoing integration and embeddedness of digital technologies in our daily lives and the influence it has on tomorrow’s leaders.
NZ youth suicide rates remain among the worst in the world and children and young people worldwide continue to reach the point where they feel taking their lives is the only solution.
John Key has been making statements reminding schools of their "duty of care" to provide children with a safe environment. However, schools are finding it increasingly difficult to overcome these kinds of prevalent, ongoing issues that affect many Kiwi youth.
Many parents still don't appear confident to extend their parenting in to the "online arena", while we know Kiwi youth continue to silently suffer from digital ills such as cyber-bullying.
Sweet As Social Media aims to build awareness of the significance of this "cyberbullying" in schools today, and has utilised the combination of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and a model similar to the concept of "Crowd sourcing”.
Utilising a campaign script which summaries the extensive number of suggestions, advice and tips for parents about managing their children's online behaviour, the group has been asking "digital natives" to share the message by reading parts of the script on camera.
The group also plans to mobilise the "Pay it Forward" teaching model developed for parents, schools and the broader community by asking groups of school kids to host an information evening using the organisation's guides on keeping Kiwi families and schools safe and happy in an increasingly digital world.
The Virtual Realities Magazine will consider the biggest issues in mainstream and social media and take a positive, proactive stance on digital issues and ways to prevent and minimise risks for youth and users online.
The first issue of the magazine is set for release on 4 July, ahead of celebrations of the launch respectfully held on 7 July in memory and honour of the group's recently deceased supporter and advisor, Grahame Maher (Former CEO of Vodafone NZ).
The "Be Nice Online" campaign videos and script can be found on the group's website: www.sweetassocialmedia.com . Or check out the YouTube Channel at: www.youtube.com/sweetassocial