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Anti-Bullying Day; 'Sextortion' and cyberbullying posing a serious threat to Australia's youth

Announcement posted by That Communications Company 10 Mar 2016

Educating kids way to safety says sex educator
FOR FOXES SAKE
Educating kids way to safety says sex educator
For immediate release - March 2016

In the lead up to the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence, sex educator and author Rowena Murray lifts the lid on cyberbullying; identifying it as the greatest threat to Australia’s youth.

With the rise of ‘sextortion’ or ‘revenge porn’, young women in particular are found to be amongst the most vulnerable.
A recent study conducted by beyondblue and Norton by Symantec found that a startling one in ten Australian women said they had experienced ‘revenge porn’ or ‘sextortion’. Most women (76%) under 30 were found to be the victim of online harassment, ranging from verbal abuse to threats of violence.

“Revenge porn has far-reaching impacts, with victims often feeling fearful, frightened, violated and abused. Having intimate photos or footage out there can be awful enough, and is exacerbated if online abuse or bullying follows it,” states Rowena.

“Young people shouldn’t be shamed into isolating themselves by going offline, as the perpetrators are the criminals here. They shouldn’t be shamed by their families, schools or friends when they need support. Slut-shaming, especially when it’s directed at someone in their teens, only serves to further perpetuate alienation.”

In another study conducted by McAfee in 2013, it was found that Aussie teens and tweens were some of the most exposed to cyberbullying; 81% had witnessed cyberbullying, whilst over a third were victims themselves.

“Though cyberbullying is sometimes inescapable, young people can take preventative measures to protect their own safety by keeping as many details, such as their location and school private,” says Rowena. “Adults can also help by having two-way conversations with young family members and friends about the digital challenges facing today’s youth.”

In her book For Foxes Sake, Rowena educates young people on how they can protect themselves from cyberbullying and on sex in the digital age. 
“You’re dealing with a very open internet. There’s also more bullying than ever before because people’s brains go missing when they’re behind a keyboard and they turn into total idiots. Law enforcement, legislation and public attitudes haven’t caught up with the realities of online behaviour.”
 
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