GHSYL targetting road users with ‘Thumbs Up’ campaign

Road users are among the many groups that the 2015 Girls’ High School Young Leaders (GHSYL) hope to target with their “Thumbs Up” campaign.

On Tuesday, the young leaders launched their initiative, in collaboration with the St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force and DIGICEL, to raise awareness of the dangers of using various forms of technology while driving or walking in the street.{{more}}

“The campaign is designed to promote awareness among every student and every licensed driver in St Vincent and the Grenadines to be more responsible on their mobile devices and computers,” a release from the GHSYL said.

“The dangers of multi-tasking while driving are well known. The risks, however, will depend on the attempted tasks. For example, the ability to text while driving; read or post to Facebook or Twitter, take a selfie; it is limited to re-defined policy of what can or cannot be done with a mobile device when the vehicle is in motion and furthermore, the perils associated with listening to loud music through headphones while walking in the street, texting while using the cross-walk, sexting, bullying, posting nude photos on social media or just carelessly using your mobile device or computer. These are perhaps some of the riskiest activities that may lead to car accidents, suicides and other criminal acts.”

According to the press release, the Young Leaders hope that the “Thumbs Up” campaign will encourage adults to learn how to use computers and other electronic devices effectively, as well as introduce students to educational websites and other on-line aids to help in research for school.

At this week’s launch, acting headmistress Michelle Beache made reference to the GHS ICT Policy, which was established in 2010 and is signed by students and their parents and guardians, as a way to foster the responsible use of all forms of technology.

Marketing manager for DIGICEL Juno DeRoche also delivered brief remarks.(BK)