The Ad Council just released its new campaign (with the National Crime Prevention Council - you know the one with the crimefighting dog McGruff) called "Delete Cyberbullying." I actually think they do a great job capturing the essence of what's happening. It's much easier to be cruel to someone when you are not facing them, can't see their eyes or emotional response. They also capture who does it most (girls - although guys can do it, too) and the age range (tweens and early teens). Here are two of the spots:
Talent Show (newsletter readers click the links - I also embedded the videos on Ypulse.com)
What do you think of the spots?
Posted by anastasia
Tweens | Web
Comments
Maybe this just shows how out of touch with "cyberbullying" I am, but are people saying these kinds of things to people or about people?
The videos made me feel rather uncomfortable, and I think that was the point, but I got the impression they were more about gossip and talking behind someones back then about saying something to a person. And that is where I may just be missing the point.
I like them, though. Hopefully it will make teens think.
Posted by: Chris Marsden | March 7, 2007 8:23 AM
Hi Chris. Unfortunately yes, teens (especially younger ones) will say cruel things about people -- and you have to remember the distance the internet provides (not having to see the person), makes it easier to be meaner. I think the point is you shouldn't say things you wouldn't ever say to someone's face, and pointing out how much easier it is to do this online. Thanks for commenting!
Posted by: Anastasia | March 7, 2007 7:04 PM