SCOPE: Social Connectivity: Online Perceptions and Experiences

The SCOPE project is about encouraging young people to be actively involved in discussions with their peers surround issues relating to technology, sex, and the relationships we form online.

Objective

Social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube are increasingly popular. The almost universal availability of smartphones (mobile phones with computer functions) means that we are able to search, send and create information constantly.

Despite the many benefits of these technologies, there are also undesirable outcomes such as cyberbullying, non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit images or videos (sexting) without the permission of the person involved, and poor relationship or sexual behaviour outcomes related to consumption of pornography and sexualised media.

The SCOPE project is an innovative and interactive youth-appropriate online campaign to educate and encourage young people to think before they post and to reflect on the content they see in an informed and realistic way.

Approach

SCOPE covers various topics of interest to young people, including sexting (legalities), online dating and apps, cyber safety and cyber bullying.

Real life stories from young people, experts and SCOPE ambassadors (including AFL star Adam Kennedy) feature on the website and we are always seeking new stories from young people to publish (anonymously).

The website and social media channels have been informed by young people for young people.