The Challenge
One in six teenagers regularly experience harassment online. And 'Victims of cyber-bullying exhibit a heightened risk of developing internalized problems, anxiety, depression, borderline personality symptoms and psychotic experiences during adolescence, which can extend into adulthood.' Cybersmile was set up to help parents and children have a safe and healthy relationship with the internet and social media. This campaign was created to make the invisible harm of online abuse visible. And to offer parents instant support on how to educate their kids on safer internet use.
The Solution
1 in 6 teenagers regularly experience harassment online. And 'Victims of cyber-bullying exhibit a heightened risk of developing internalized problems, anxiety, depression, borderline personality symptoms and psychotic experiences during adolescence, which can extend into adulthood.' (University of Warwick) But parents don't always see the horrific language and abuse their kids are exposed to, hidden behind a phone screen. Cybersmile was set up to help parents and children have a safe and healthy relationship with the internet. We visualised the permanent damage caused by online abuse, by taking real hurtful comments sent to under 18s online, and turning them into shocking, permanent looking tattoos. These striking images were displayed in print placements targeted towards parents, but avoiding under 18s, so as not to exacerbate the issue we are highlighting.
