A recent study the danger of bullying or sharing of sexually explicit or defaming images, video and text is become prevalent with our younger children. 

The University of New England Study has found children as young as year 8 are dabbling in behaviour they might not understand, but for those under scrutiny by their peers, can plant long-lasting effects.

So as adults, what can we do? How much responsibility do mature-aged people have when we put a tool to disseminate information into the hands of a person who may not know better? 

Education. But it seems we cover that. Schools offer the information, parents and mentors have the talk, and arguably, young people know better.

I interviewed several high school girls earlier this year, and all agreed they knew the dangers, understood how dehumanising it was to be the subject of demeaning images and texts.

They even defended the males who often perpetrate the image and video sharing against girls, as a majority led by a minority who fanned the adrenaline of those boys who were probably out of their depth, but fearful of being bullied themselves if they did not share.

They were able to elaborate on the legalities of sharing, and who can be charged for even keeping material on their phones.

With a group seemingly better equipped to understand the ramifications of risky choices, again, as adults what can we do, because it seems this issue will not disappear in a hurry, if ever.

We can dis-empower the bullying text by being there for our young people, listening and paying attention, shoring up their best qualities and their ambitions rather than allowing them to wallow in uncertainty ignited by some hurtful message.

One thing we know is experience, and confidence. Even if we have to fake it until we make it, we can share with our kids the message that they are valuable, that they control their own destiny, and that nobody can take that away.

Once it is in their hands, let’s all pay attention. A phone can save a life, but it can also change a life.