Pressuring Someone for Nude Pics. Cool or Not Cool?

Teens Can Now Create Talking Avatar Videos to Answer the Question

Only Two Weeks for Teens to Enter That's Not Cool Summer T-Shirt Giveaway

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- How would you feel about getting asked for a nude picture of yourself and how would you feel if you were pressured to do so?

These questions and more are posed in a new online application by the That's Not Cool initiative to educate teens about digital dating abuse.  There are only two weeks left for teens to enter and have a chance to get a That's Not Cool T-shirt if they create and post a talking avatar that addresses how they feel about pressuring or being pressured for nude pics.

That's Not Cool launched the new speaking avatar tool that allows teens to "Have Your Say" when it comes to relationship abuse.  After watching an animated video addressing digital dating abuse, users create a personalized character and voice to respond to the question posed in the video: "Pressuring Someone for Nude Pics, Cool or Not Cool?"  That's Not Cool uses text-to-speech technology that enables the teen-created character to speak the answer to the question in a voice style each teen selects.  Each unique video entry can be posted and shared on www.thatsnotcool.com.

"This new tool is a personal and fun way for teens to engage in this important issue and talk about what is and isn't cool in their relationships," said Futures Without Violence Director of Public Communications Brian O'Connor.  "It's a way to get a dialogue going about an issue that many young people will confront."

"While teens often recognize the signs of physical abuse, digital abuse has many gray areas and its dangers are often minimized. This new application will further engage teens and give them a fun and comfortable way to draw the connection between the digital infractions they are experiencing and abuse," said Ad Council President and CEO Peggy Conlon.

Each teen who participates has a chance to receive a free That's Not Cool T-shirt.  Until August 31st, the campaign will give away 10 T-shirts per week to the first 10 users who make "Have Your Say" Avatar videos. Visit www.thatsnotcool.com for promotion details and to create your own avatar!

That's Not Cool was developed by Futures Without Violence, formerly Family Violence Prevention Fund, in partnership with the Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women and the Advertising Council.  The That's Not Cool campaign is an award winning national public education initiative that educates youth about healthy relationships, encourages them to draw their own digital line, and helps young people recognize, avoid, and prevent dating violence in their lives.

Since That's Not Cool launched in 2009, the website has been viewed more than 1,000,000 times.  The initiative also has more than 55,000 "likes" on Facebook.

A 2008 National Council on Crime & Delinquency focus found that one in three adolescent girls in the United States is a victim of physical, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dating partner – a figure that far exceeds victimization rates for other types of violence affecting youth.  Experiencing teen dating violence can set the stage for domestic violence that continues well into one's adult years.

Futures Without Violence, formerly Family Violence Prevention Fund

From domestic and dating violence, to child abuse and sexual assault, Futures Without Violence works to end some of the most pressing global issues of our time.

We advance the health, stability, education, and security of women and girls, men and boys worldwide. In 1994, Futures Without Violence was instrumental in developing the landmark Violence Against Women Act passed by the U.S. Congress. Striving to reach new audiences and transform social norms, we train professionals such as doctors, nurses, athletic coaches, and judges on improving responses to violence and abuse. As well, we work with advocates, policy makers and others to build sustainable community leadership and educate people everywhere about the importance of respect and healthy relationships – the relationships that all individuals, families, and communities need and deserve. Learn more at FuturesWithoutViolence.org.

The Advertising Council

The Ad Council is a non-profit organization with a rich history of marshalling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. Having produced literally thousands of public service advertising campaigns addressing the most pressing social issues of the day, the Ad Council has effected, and continues to effect, tremendous positive change by raising awareness, inspiring action, and saving lives. To learn more about the Ad Council and its campaigns, visit www.adcouncil.org.

SOURCE Futures Without Violence