Digital Abuse Is On The Rise

This is disturbing.
An MTV/Associated Press study revealed over HALF of those surveyed have been the targets of mean behavior or fake gossip through social-networking sites or text messages.
A whopping 76% of 14-24 year olds say digital abuse is a serious problem for people their age, while 56% report actually experiencing digital abuse.
Unfortunately, that percentage of those experiencing the abuse is up from 50% in a 2009 MTV/AP survey!
The good news is that more people are stepping up to stop it.
Compared to 2009, more young people said they are likely to intervene when they see such behavior and speak up if they see someone “being mean online.”
Other findings included:
– One-third have sent or received “sext” messages.
– 71% describe sexting as a serious problem.
– 15% have shared naked photos or videos of themselves.
– 10% shared those photos or videos with a stranger online (a decline from 29% in 2009).
– 41% of those in relationships have experienced digital dating abuse
For more information on this troubling news and how to empower yourself to help stop the digital drama, check out MTV’s A Thin Line.