"Do you pinky swear?"
"Pinky Pledge" is a 2007 public service announcement by the NCTA. It is meant to teach children and parents about staying safe online, and notably averts a Scare 'Em Straight approach to the subject.The PSA received a 2008 Telly Award.The PSA shows two girls in a library talking about online safety, with one of the girls guiding her friend through a pinky swear and having her promise not to give out personal information or meet strangers from the Internet.
“Pinky Pledge” provides examples of:
- Children Are Innocent: The two girls understand the importance of online safety, but are very innocent in how they approach the topic.
- Girlish Pigtails: Caitlin has them.
- No Name Given: The first girl is not named.
- Pinky Swear: How the two girls promise to stay safe online.
- Positive Friend Influence: A very sweet example. The commercial shows how good friends can influence each other to stay safe.
- The Power of Friendship: The two girls are clearly very close, and Caitlin promises to stay safe online at her friend’s request.
- Serious Business: The first girl tells Caitlin to be serious about her promise, and Caitlin assures her that she’s totally taking it seriously.
- So Proud of You: The first girl gives Caitlin an encouraging smile as she recites her promise.
