A youth advocacy group based in Coquitlam has mounted a provocative media campaign to get parents to talk to their kids about protecting themselves online.
The campaign, developed by Cossette Vancouver for the Children of the Street Society, features youths receiving texts from a predator who sounds like a friend. In the images, text bubbles are seen lifting items of clothing such as a skirt, shirt or tank top strap.
The message is intended to reach out to parents and let them know that online predators aren't always obvious about their intentions, and even smart kids can be caught off guard.
This campaign features three print ads that will be displayed in transit shelters and posters throughout the Lower Mainland. It also includes a 30-second video (go to youtube.com and search "Hooked: Predator Watch PSA"), with hopes of drawing the attention of parents and children alike.
"You hold your child's hand when they cross the street, you watch them like a hawk at the playground, you safely deliver them to school because you want to protect them - and then you give them a mobile device or a computer and let them take it into their bedroom," said Diane Sowden, executive director of Children of the Street Society and Coquitlam school trustee.
Parents are encouraged to educate themselves and their kids about online safety, and information is available at www.childrenofthetreet.com. Donations to support the society's workshops for children 11 to 18 in School District 43 are also welcome.
