Planned Parenthood Toronto event explores the impact of technology on youth sexuality

TORONTO, Sept. 23, 2013 /CNW/ - Planned Parenthood Toronto will host a panel discussion on understanding the impact of changing technology on youth sexuality as part of its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday September 25, 2013.

Tweeting, texting and chatting online are the new realities for youth communicating on subjects ranging from celebrities and gossip to news and events. Increasingly youth are also accessing online platforms to explore sexuality, express their sexuality digitally and to obtain sexual health information. Conversely new technology also produces new avenues for slut shamming, sexual bullying and sexting. This provocative and thought provoking panel discussion will explore the multifaceted way youth are using and are having their sexual health influenced by technology.

"We're seeing youth interact with social media and technology in completely different ways" said Sarah Hobbs-Blyth, Executive Director, "increasingly youth are looking to technology to learn about their sexuality and this can be both an enormous source of positive information and education or an opportunity to get misinformed or even to become a victim."

Panelists include Ken Jeffers from the TDSB Gender Based Violence Prevention Program, Berkha Gupta Teen Programming Coordinator at PPT, Tanesha Darby Teen Programming Volunteer with PPT and Raisa Bhuiyan Blogger with Shameless Magazine.

Who should attend? Youth, parents, health and social service providers, youth workers and community members. Anyone interested in increasing their understanding of how technology is impacting youth sexuality is welcome!

Planned Parenthood Toronto's Annual General Meeting will take place at Miles Nidal JCC, 750 Spadina Ave, on Wednesday September 25th starting at 5:30pm. The panel discussion "Technology, Youth and Sexuality: a panel discussion on the positive and negative implications of technology on youth sexuality" will begin at 7:00pm. For more information, or to RSVP, email [email protected] or call 416-961-0113. Follow the event live on twitter with #pptagm and @PPofTO

Planned Parenthood Toronto is a community-based, pro-choice agency that provides programs and services promoting healthy sexuality, reproductive health and informed decision-making to youth (aged 13-29) and women in the City of Toronto.

SOURCE: Planned Parenthood Toronto

For more information about Planned Parenthood Toronto or to set up an interview with
Sarah Hobbs-Blyth, Executive Director, please contact Tara Kitts at:
416.961.0113 ext. 124 or [email protected]