Bootcamp 2022
Empowering and Protecting Kids in the Digital Age: Protecting from Porn Exposure, the Silent Pandemic
By Tricia Schinkel
Date and Time: Thursday, August 25 at 9:30 am ET
In an effort to empower and protect kids in this digital age, increasing their knowledge around safety online has become essential for their wellbeing. More and more experts are saying that this knowledge should also include teaching kids about the risks and harm of pornography.
This topic is often avoided with children and youth because it can feel uncomfortable and shaming. What has become increasingly evident, however, is that by talking openly and learning together about pornography we can help build resilience and discernment in the digital world. It is hoped that in gaining a deeper understanding and awareness of the extremely negative impact online pornography has on children, we can be motivated to break the silence about this hidden pandemic.
Learning Goals:
- Identify the harms of early exposure to pornography.
- Learn what the protective factors are.
- Learn how schools can respond.
Presented By:
Tricia Schinkel works part time as a school counsellor at Calvin Christian School, in Hamilton and part time as a clinical trauma therapist at Thrive Child and Youth Trauma Services, in Hamilton. She has a Masters degree in Counselling, specializing in Art Therapy. She is a Registered Psychotherapist and Art Therapist. She has been working in the field of children’s mental health for 12+ years.
Over the years her career, and especially in her work outside of the school for the last 7 years with child trauma and sexual abuse, she has been learning more about the impact of early childhood trauma and, specifically, the harmful impact of early access to porn on peer on peer abuse, on harmful sexual behaviour, and on unhealthy relationships. Unfortunately, pornography is a silent, yet global issue, but by engaging in conversation and learning more, it can be a start to responding to this crisis.
Session Materials: