Executive Council
 October 9, 2015

Supporting Safer Communities

Provincial Government Joins �Tweet Out� for International Day of the Girl

Today, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is participating in a �Tweet-Out� session that focuses on preventing cyber-violence against young girls, in anticipation of the United Nations� International Day of the Girl Child, October 11.

Each of the Atlantic Provinces will be participating as part of their partnership in the Forum of Atlantic Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women. Support for the Cybersafe Girl Initiative is part of the Provincial Government�s Violence Prevention Initiative.

�Through the Cybersafe Girl Initiative, the Provincial Government plays an active role in the protection and education of girls by creating awareness of Internet safety and cyberviolence. Everyone has a role to play in preventing violence, and we must help protect those who could be victimized online.�
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women

The Atlantic Provinces� Cybersafe Girl Initiative offers many resources for educators, parents and guardians in recognizing the risks and trends associated with social media and raises awareness of Internet safety. For more information, visit www.cybersafegirl.ca external link.

Today�s tweets are directed at youth and their caregivers. Examples include:

  • Empower yourself! Know the risks of being online. Make an agreement with your parents about how you can stay safe online. #cybersafegirl
  • Know a victim of cyber-violence? Let them know it�s not their fault. Talk to a teacher or administrator and ask for help. #cybersafegirl
  • Use everyday opportunities to talk to your kids about online risks. Use TV, games, or movies to start the conversation. #cybersafegirl

Twitter users are invited to follow @WPO_GovNL and retweet to spread the message. Since 2012, the United Nations has marked October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child. The day promotes girls' human rights, highlights gender inequalities that remain between girls and boys and addresses the various forms of discrimination and abuse suffered by girls around the world.

QUICK FACTS

  • The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is participating in a �Tweet Out� in recognition of the International Day of the Girl Child.
  • Each of the Atlantic Provinces will be participating as part of their partnership in the Forum of Atlantic Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women. More information on the Cybersafe Girl Initiative is available at www.cybersafegirl.ca external link.
  • Support for the Cybersafe Girl Initiative is part of the Provincial Government�s Violence Prevention Initiative. Information about the VPI is available at www.gov.nl.ca/vpi.

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Media contact:
Gina MacArthur
Communications Specialist
Women�s Policy Office
709-729-6225
ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca

2015 10 09                             4:05 p.m.