“Call Glenn” Campaign: A Crucial Step Towards Protecting Minors Online
In an era where technology plays a pivotal role in the lives of young people, the internet can be a perilous space. The “Call Glenn” campaign, initiated by Wunderman Thompson Benelux in collaboration with Child Focus, sheds light on the urgent need for better online protection for minors, addressing the alarming rise in incidents of ‘exposing’—the unauthorized sharing of explicit images online. Glenn’s tragic story serves as a poignant reminder of the potential dangers that young individuals face in the digital realm.
Glenn’s Story: A Heartbreaking Consequence of Online Exploitation
At the age of 15, Glenn became a victim of online exploitation. A private image, shared in confidence, was maliciously spread across the internet without his consent. The consequences were devastating, leading Glenn to take his own life. On the European Day for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Wunderman Thompson Benelux and Child Focus took a bold step to raise awareness and advocate for change.
Reactivating Glenn’s Phone for a Noble Cause
On 18th November, Glenn’s phone was reactivated not for personal communication but as a symbolic gesture to protect other minors online. When you call Glenn today, you won’t reach him, but you will hear a poignant voicemail message, briefly stating his name and the reason for his unavailability. The modified message serves as a unique petition mechanism—your first and last name, spoken after the tone, become your signature endorsing the call for improved online protection.
Multi-Faceted Campaign Approach
The “Call Glenn” campaign employs a multi-channel strategy, leveraging online videos featuring Belgian celebrities, a TV spot, radio spot, digital out-of-home displays, and an emotional online campaign film. Each element places Glenn’s mobile phone at the center, emphasizing the urgency of the cause. The campaign website provides a platform for Glenn’s mother to share her emotional testimony, offering support for victims and a channel to report incidents.
A Resounding Success: Mobilizing Support for Change
In Belgium, a petition requires at least 25,000 signatures to become a valid part of the political agenda. Astonishingly, this target was achieved within a day of the campaign going live. After just one week, over 37,000 people had contacted Glenn, adding their voices to the call for change. The campaign is a testament to the collective will to address the critical issue of online protection for young people.
The Future: Presenting Glenn’s Phone to Parliament
Child Focus, the organization behind the campaign, plans to present Glenn’s phone to parliament. Accompanied by the overwhelming public support garnered through missed calls to Glenn’s phone, Child Focus aims to emphasize the urgency of implementing better online protection measures for minors.
The “Call Glenn” campaign stands as a powerful example of how collective action can bring about positive change. By sharing Glenn’s story, the campaign sparks crucial conversations and advocates for a safer online environment for the youth. Each missed call to Glenn’s phone becomes a resounding plea for improved safeguards, reinforcing the notion that protecting minors in the digital age is a responsibility we all share.
