Ever felt the frustration of reporting animal abuse online, only to find the content still up? We understand you and it's time to turn the tables!
“There are moments where I do find it very difficult and frustrating. Progress can be really, really slow while animal abuse videos have been growing at a faster rate” (Nicola O’Brien (SMACC) interviewed by Forbes)
Welcome to Report It Week! From May 24 to May 31, 2024, we invite you to join us in a dedicated effort to combat online animal cruelty. Organized by the Social Media Animal Cruelty Coalition (SMACC), this week-long event is all about raising awareness, educating the public, and empowering individuals like you to take a stand by reporting any instances of animal cruelty witnessed on social media platforms.
Why Reporting Matters
Online animal cruelty often lurks beneath the surface, camouflaged by seemingly innocent or amusing content. Yet, behind the facade lies the harsh reality of animals enduring distress and suffering (See our ASK YOURSELF videos to learn more). By reporting such content to the social media platform you find it on, you play a crucial role in protecting animals and sending a powerful message to social media companies: animal cruelty will not be tolerated. Each report helps reduce the spread of harmful content and promotes a safer, more compassionate online environment.
Did You Know?
Here’s an eye-opener: SMACC has found that around 47% of content it has reported to platforms has eventually been removed. Your voice matters! Social media platforms do pay attention to the types of content being flagged by users. This reporting activity influences how they prioritize resources and develop new policies. They need to recognize that animal cruelty is a pressing issue and that their users are dissatisfied with encountering such content on their platform.
This is why it is essential to continue reporting, to demonstrate to the platforms that animal cruelty is a significant concern for their users.
Here’s what you can do!
1. Educate Yourself and Others
Throughout Report It Week, we'll be sharing lots of educational content to help you understand the scope of online animal cruelty and how to report it effectively.
2. Use Our Interactive Tools
Get involved with our interactive tools. Participate in the "Add Yours" feature on Instagram using our template to share your commitment to ending online animal cruelty. Use the hashtag #ReportIt2EndIt and follow it to see how others are contributing to the cause.
3. Spread the Word
Share our message far and wide! Utilize our resources, spark conversations, and encourage others to join the movement against online animal cruelty.
4. Report Cruelty When You See It
Take action by reporting any online content that depicts or promotes animal cruelty. Our Report It Hub provides detailed instructions on how to report on various social media platforms. Each report is a step towards a safer online space for animals.
Youth as Cyber spotters
Youth are the primary consumers of digital content and have a unique position as cyber spotters to identify and report cruelty. We encourage young people to take a stand and use their digital savvy to help protect animals from abuse.
Report It Week is more than just an event—it's a movement. By participating, you are helping to create a world where animals are respected and protected from cruelty. For more information, resources, and to get involved, visit our Report It Hub. Together, we can #ReportIt2EndIt.
We look forward to seeing you join us in this important cause. Your actions can help change the world for animals, one report at a time.
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