MTV Fights Digital Abuse By Rewarding Teens Who Protest It (VIDEO)

Tired of watching teens get tormented by insidious Facebook wall posts and text messages, MTV is rewarding those who refuse to let this bullying trend continue, starting Monday.

Through its public service announcements, teen surveys and partnerships with activist organizations, MTV continues to grow its "A Thin Line" campaign, an initiative that encourages young people to consider if a message about a peer really is harmless before sending it out into cyberspace. "A Thin Line" most recently expanded its mission by teaming up with DailyFeats, a website and iPhone application that lets users log their good deeds and get prizes in return.

"The campaign is built on the understanding that there's a 'thin line' between what may begin as a harmless joke and something that could end up having a serious impact on you or someone else," the mission statement explains. "We know no generation has ever had to deal with this, so we want to partner with you to help figure it out."

When young people share how they're combating digital abuse, they earn points that can get them closer to winning tickets to the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, discounts to MTV's online store and thousands of DailyFeats rewards.

Starting Monday, the network offers five ways for young people to inspire their peers, while getting much-deserved prizes for their activism. Just by signing up for DailyFeats, users earn 50 points and get additional points for every personal feat they share.

drawyourline - Log onto Draw Your Line and tell how you're playing an active role in stopping digital abuse by changing passwords, blocking anyone who's trying to harass you and standing up for those who are getting bullied online.

hugsomeone - Whether it's a huge embrace, or just a quick squeeze, get recognized for giving a hug to someone who can really use one.

acceptdifferences - Rather than mock someone who's different, strike up a conversation and find out what makes them so. Celebrate their uniqueness and your ability to be tolerant.

callafriend - There's a time for texting emoticons and LOLs, and there's a time for actual verbal exchanges. Phone a friend when she's feeling down to find out what's really on her mind, and how you can possibly advise her.

financialaid - Earn points for getting started on pursuing a college degree by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or pursuing any kind of scholarships or grants.

WATCH:

Comments

[Joseph Schmoe]

04:32 AM on 08/08/2011

MTV could also stop glorifying teen pregnancy and thuggish behavior 24/7.
This is about as wasteful an effort as the weightless anti-smoking campaigns put together by Big Tobacco.

[sawyer0413]

08:54 AM on 08/08/2011

Why is this wasteful. Game-based learning (and behavioral modification through learning) are major areas of learning research. They are incredibly successful. By tying into this game-based mode with connections to points, this touches teens in a meaningful way with a voice that they hear. This might not be successful with other age groups, but I think it can and will have a meaningful impact to the teens.

[Zachary Edwards]

12:52 PM on 08/08/2011

To be fair to MTV, you should actually watch 16 and Pregnant, which does the opposite of glorifying teen pregnancy. In fact, many studies show that shows like 16 and Pregnant do a better job of lowering teen pregnancy than any other method to date.

http://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/46948214.aspx

Also, Sawyer0413 is correct, what MTV is doing (game based learning) is very successful.

[Joseph Schmoe]

08:11 PM on 08/08/2011

Citing a comment on a blog where someone wishes something was true doesn't make it true.
.

[jonjon1324]

03:46 AM on 08/08/2011

For some reason I'm expecting people to find SOMETHING to criticize MTV for in regards to this issue.

[Shawn Fraine]

09:02 PM on 08/07/2011

I'm really happy to start seeing things like this pop up. During Warped Tour this year, they had a bunch of bands making PSA's about bullying. I hope it works...

[Joseph Schmoe]

04:33 AM on 08/08/2011

Yeah, because we all know PSAs have stopped all bad things from happening.
Get a grip, kid.

[Shawn Fraine]

07:52 AM on 08/08/2011

wow, thank goodness I'm not you. To live one's life so negative and vitriol.

You're mighty brave behind a keyboard. Perhaps you should "get a grip" and stop bashing people just for their opinion and for having a little bit of hope. Or you could just live your shell of a life in the same manner...just do us all a favor though...and keep your anger to yourself...kid.

[sawyer0413]

09:01 AM on 08/08/2011

You cannot prove a negative. There is no way to specifically tell if any PSA campaign did or did not stop bad things from happening. But, given that advertising works, it is ridiculous to think that PSAs have not had a significant and quantifiable impact. Down to specific actions, No. At a macro-level, by reducing the factors that lead to negative behaviors, Yes! In fact, it is a resounding YES!