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WHY IT MATTERS

Still not convinced? Take a look at the statistics below and see the reality of what this generation is facing in black and white. 

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44% of teens admit to lying about their age online, which, according to NCMEC puts them at much greater risk for exploitation.

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44.8 million explicit video files and 39.9 million explicit image files were reported to law enforcement in 2020. 

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1 out of 10 of instagram accounts are fake, totaling almost 95 million accounts.

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97.5% Increase of online enticement reports to NCMEC from 2019 to 2020.

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Is your explicit content out there?

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children can help you find and remove images or videos from online platforms. Victims and families often need additional support finding resources and figuring out next steps. Click the first button below to find the help you need. If you are confused about what Sextortion is, follow the second button to learn more.

What is Sextortion?

What is Meta Data?

60%  of teens are bullied or harassed online. 

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70% of teens have reported someone spreading rumors about them online.

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41% of teens who have experienced cyberbullying have developed social anxiety because of it.

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51% of adolescents have posted seductive pictures to receive more likes and comments.

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What Is Cyberbullying?

According to StopBullying.gov, Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.

 

Warning signs a child Is being cyberbullied or is cyberbullying:

 

  • Noticeable, rapid increases or decreases in device use, including texting.

  • A child exhibits emotional responses (laughter, anger, upset) to what is happening on their device.

  • A child hides their screen or device when others are near, and avoids discussion about what they are doing on their device.

  • Social media accounts are shut down or new ones appear.

  • A child starts to avoid social situations, even those that were enjoyed in the past.

  • A child becomes withdrawn, depressed, or loses interest in people and activities.

33% of college admissions offices confirmed reviewing the social media accounts of applicants as part of their admissions process.

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42% of teens have experienced people posting things about them that they could not change or control.

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55% of teens say they have decided not to post content that might reflect poorly on them in the future. 

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70% of employers use social media to screen candidates during the hiring process, and 43% use social media to check on current employees.

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Life Story
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There is no better time to start thinking and planning your future than right now. Click the button below to create a “Life Plan” and start writing your Life Story today.

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7.5 hours  is the amount of time the average teen spends consuming media each day According to Common Sense Media.

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1 in 10 teens use tools or apps to track their time spent online.

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40% of teens do not participate in any after school or extracurricular activities.

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2,617 is the number of times the average person touches their phone per day.

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How to Set Some Healthy Boundaries

Watch the videos below to learn how to start setting some healthy boundaries with your smartphone and social media use. Set app limits, schedule downtime, and adjust notification settings to take back control of the way you, and your kids, spend your time.

32% of teens that struggle with an anxiety disorder.

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FOMO is actually just a form of anxiety.

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25% of teens say social media makes them FEEL less lonely.

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10-24 y.o. The 2nd leading cause of death in this age range is suicide.

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1 in 3 girls have body issues that are amplified by social media.

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EMOTION
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Worried about someone?

Know the warning signs. The list below may help you determine if someone is at risk for suicide.

 

  • Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves

  • Looking for a way to do so, like searching online or buying a gun

  • Talking about feelings hopeless or having no reason to live

  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

  • Talking about being a burden to others

  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

  • Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly

  • Sleeping too little or too much

  • Withdrawing or isolating themselves

  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

  • Extreme mood swings

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230,000  cosmetic procedures were performed on patients ages 13-19 in 2019.

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71% of people edit their selfies.

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40% decline over the past 10 years in the number of kids that spend time with friends every day.

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24% of 16 year olds were not driving in 2018, and number that continues to decline.  

REALITY
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Want to know what some of our participants think?


“As a Youth Minister, I often see teenagers struggle to form healthy relationships with social media which can lead to increased anxiety and isolation. Filter First offers a simple, practical training for students, parents, and teachers that encourages students to think deeply about the benefits and the pitfalls of our increasingly digital life.”
-Hayden P. | Youth Minister

“I like the program because it has caused me to really re-think how I view and use social media.”
-Student | Glencliff High School

“Finally, there is something out there to combat this toxic digital environment our kids are growing up in with social media and technology.
- Jeremy G. | Parent

“FILTER First was really great because it shows kids how to be smart online. It’s not saying social media is “bad”, it’s just saying how you should use it smartly." 
- Griffin L. | Student Brentwood Middle School

“Our family is so thankful we found F.I.L.T.E.R. First. Finally, there is a tool to help my teenagers as they figure out this social media-driven world. I love that it is packed with simple content that is presented in a way that my kids can relate to. My kids were reluctant at first but both said they learned something and took something away from it, so I’m calling that a win! As much as I’d love to just keep my kids off social media altogether, I recognize that that just isn’t practical. But now I can feel more confident in their ability to make good choices when they do use it.” 
- Chris S. | Parent

 
“This is so relevant because this is what we spend the majority of our time on.” 
- Student | Glencliff High School

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