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After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at cila.comminitcila.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
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Published 14 years ago
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That's Not Cool

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This United States (US) national public education campaign uses digital examples of controlling, pressuring, and threatening behaviour to raise awareness about and prevent teen dating abuse. "Your mobile [phone], IM [instant messaging], and online accounts are all a part of you. When someone you're dating is controlling, disrespecting, or pressuring you in those spaces, THAT'S NOT COOL." This information and communication technology (ICT) initiative is attempting to raise awareness about digital dating abuse, like constant and controlling texting, pressuring for nude pictures, and breaking into someone's email or social networking page.

Communication Strategies

The That's Not Cool website uses edutainment strategies in an effort to help young people decide where to draw the "digital line". Visitors can create a talking avatar in order to start a conversation about what's okay and what's not okay when it comes to use of social media in the dating context. The site features videos, "callout cards" (example of one: "With that last text you're achieved stalker status" - featuring an image of a trophy), a "talk it out" forum, games (with questions like: "do you practice safe text?"), and a varity of resources to help a person understand if he or she is experiencing abuse, such as the National Dating Abuse Helpline at 1 866 331 9474 (186 331 8453 TTY).

Development Issues

Youth.

Key Points

According to organisers: "some people use pressure, control, and threats to get nude or private pictures, and that's not cool. Sometimes pictures end up being shared widely without permission. If someone is making you feel uncomfortable, trust your feelings that it’s not okay. You are not alone - everyday, we hear from people that are being pressured. Remember, you have the right to have your privacy and decisions respected."

Partners

Futures Without Violence (formerly Family Violence Prevention Fund), the Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women, and the Advertising Council.

Sources

"Sex Education Gets Directly to Youths, via Text", by Jan Hoffman, New York Times, December 30 2011; and That's Not Cool website, February 14 2012; and email from Sarah Pritchard to The Communication Initiative on February 17 2012.