CLEARWATER, Fla., June 30, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Wednesday 29th June, 58 students and eight teachers from two local schools learned ways to avoid “cyber bullying” and “sexting” from Deputy Sheriff Jessica Hughey at United for Human Rights Florida headquarters in downtown Clearwater. The seminar is one in a series of lectures that the Church of Scientology-sponsored United for Human Rights program, already the world's largest nongovernmental human rights initiative, is providing to the community in a effort to help prevent human traffickers from victimizing youth who use social media 90% of their day.

Photo caption: Pinellas County Deputy Sheriff Jessica Hughey informs Clearwater youth on how to protect their privacy and prevent cyberbullying at United for Human Rights Florida headquarters in downtown Clearwater.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e5edc985-5312-4fce-af99-b583a54658ef

Recent studies done by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, the Pew Internet & American Life Project and the Cox Communications Teen Online & Wireless Safety report showed that 20% of teens have sent or posted nude or semi-nude photos or videos of themselves online. 30% of teens surveyed say they receive text messages wanting to know where they are and what they are doing and who they are with from their boy or girl friend 10 – 30 times an hour. Law Enforcement noted that once nude images are posted on social media or cell phones they can get into the hands of human traffickers who then try to lure teens into prostitution.

Deputy Sheriff Hughey has been a part of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit since 2015 and as such has been educating neighborhood watch groups and the public on general safety issues including that of protecting one’s privacy on social media.  She has been with the agency since September 2013 and was formerly with the Florida Highway Patrol for 10 years. Deputy Sheriff Hughey also serves as a mentor to teens and young adults.

To find out how you can prevent bullying and discrimination on social media and get answers to “What are Human Rights?” contact Sanna Heden at 727-467-6960 or email her sanna@humanrights.com.  The United for Human Office is located at 29 North Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater, Florida 33755.

United for Human Rights (UHR)
Given the immense scope of the problem, and inspired by the words of Scientology founder, L. Ron Hubbard, “Human Rights must be made a fact not an idealistic dream,” The Church of Scientology supports United for Human Rights as a vanguard of human rights education and information. It is the world's largest nongovernmental human rights education campaign, active in 192 countries and partnering with 1,500 groups and organizations. Its purpose: To raise awareness and implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its 30 articles.

For More Information 
Contact:  Sanna Heden
727-467-6960