September 21, 2016
Statement Of Internet Safety Advocate Donna Rice Hughes On Anthony Weiner Sexting Report
Washington, D.C--“Reports indicate Anthony Weiner has been knowingly sexting with a minor, a fifteen-year-old high school girl. While sexting may unfortunately be the new normal for youth and adults alike. Adults sexting with minor children is a crime. Mr. Weiner’s compulsive sexting behavior has sadly already cost him his promising political career, his marriage, his family, and now, may result in criminal charges.
“This latest story provides yet another teachable moment for parents to communicate with their children the negative consequences and dangers of sexting. Parents must become good cyber-parents and the first line of defense to protect their kids from all dangers online including online predation, pornography and cyberbullying. Implementing non-technical measures such as knowing your child’s online activities combined with implementing parental controls including monitoring might well have prevented this young girl from sexually exploitation.
“Bottom line caution. Sexual exploitation is a real and present danger. No child is immune. This is why online safety is the fourth leading health concern in United States and sexting is ranked 6th,” said Donna Rice-Hughes, President of Enough is Enough, the pioneering Internet safety organization.
See the original New York Post story here:
http://nypost.com/2016/09/21/anthony-weiner-accused-of-sexting-relationship-with-15-year-old-girl/?_ga=1.168983265.1759683872.1463975700
Enough Is Enough® is a national bi-partisan non-profit organization who has led the fight to make the Internet safer for children and families since 1994. EIE's efforts are focused on combating Internet p*rnography, child p*rnography, sexual predation, and cyberbullying by incorporating a three-pronged prevention strategy with shared responsibilities between the public, Corporate America, and the legal community.
To arrange an interview with Donna Rice Hughes, contact Kevin McVicker at Shirley & Banister Public Affairs at (703) 739-5920 or kmcvicker@sbpublicaffairs.com.
For information on Protecting Kids Online visit http://internetsafety101.org/safety and on Sexting Tips for Parents visit http://internetsafety101.org/sexting