We have to face the fact that as a result of COVID-19 lockdowns, the risks of exposure to porn, online predators, sexual grooming, and pressure to engage in sexting and other risky behaviours, increased.
I didn’t believe it would happen until it did…
George’s River College Peakhurst, NSW, had their annual well-being day scheduled in March. Then…well you all know what happened. Six months later the event went ahead on September 11.
My colleague Daniel Principe and I presented to Yrs 7-12, male and female students, unpacking messages from porn culture and how to resist them. We were so thankful that after so long we could spend a day with young people again.
The school has provided this encouraging endorsement:
Melinda Tankard Reist was the key speaker to address all our Year 7-10 students at our inaugural whole school Wellbeing Day. Her informative, engaging and eye-opening presentation was better than I could have ever expected, as both staff and students commented on the thought provoking content that Melinda delivered and how important it is for our young people to be educated on the harmful effects of the media, advertising and pornography on our children and teens. Students have been talking about Melinda’s presentation every day since her visit to our school. Highly recommended – 10/10!!
Julia Picone
Teacher Special Education – Head Teacher Wellbeing – GRC Peakhurst Campus
Sydney-based and working in the non-profit health sector, Daniel has now joined me more regularly in schools. Daniel and I have developed new presentations helping students unpack harmful messages from advertising, games, music, fashion, social media and pop culture about who they are and how they should act and helping them aspire to something better. Young men especially appreciate Daniel’s encouragement to be their best selves.
We have to face the fact that as a result of COVID-19 lockdowns, the risks of exposure to porn, online predators, sexual grooming, and pressure to engage in sexting and other risky behaviours, increased. A number of teachers have told me of significant worsening of inappropriate behaviour – even at primary level – since students started returning to school.
While schools face multiple COVID-19 related challenges, and teachers are struggling just to get students through the year, we can’t allow these difficulties to work in favour of those who wish to harm our young people. Immunising them against harmful hypersexualised ideas bombarding them from everywhere, has become more urgent than ever.
We can help them navigate a sexed up world, stand strong against a pornified culture and to aspire to relationships built on respect and mutual care. Presentations also available for teachers, parents and the broader community.
Watch this interview I did with Daniel, to get a better understanding of our message.
If you’d like to enquire about booking us, you can do so here.
“Melinda has become a leading voice on the effects that po*nography is having on boys growing up in the 21st century” – Conviction Men’s Health.
