As bullying continues to affect millions of kids nationwide, Cartoon Network is kicking off its annual
Stop Bullying: Speak Up
campaign with a video call-to-action encouraging people to speak up on
behalf of kids who need help. With a goal of attaining the combined
voice of one million user-generated videos, the network is giving people
the opportunity to say to the world, "I Speak Up." By proclaiming those
three words into a mobile device and sharing the video at
www.StopBullyingSpeakUp.com as well as their own social media platforms using the hashtag #ISpeakUp, participants are vowing to say something if they witness bullying.
The initiative, which first launched in 2010, will culminate during
CARTOON NETWORK'S SPEAK UP WEEK September 29 through October 3,
as a kick-off to National Bullying Prevention Month in October. The
goal for this year is simple: To collect one million user-generated
videos that unite the voices of kids, parents, educators, celebrities
and government officials, each committing to speak up—either themselves
or to a trusted adult—when someone is bullied.
Select videos from participants will become part of new campaign
spots to appear on Cartoon Network, its digital platforms and Boomerang
throughout October. Cartoon Network's partnering organizations—including
Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), 4-H Clubs, the Anti-Defamation
League (ADL), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the Federal
Partners in Bullying Prevention—also will be reaching out to their
targeted audiences and communities to help reach the one million videos
goal. Through these combined efforts toward a united cause, Stop
Bullying: Speak Up underscores that speaking up is one of the most
effective ways to help bring a bullying situation to an end.
"We're so proud of the youth who inspired this campaign by their
courage and kindness. Our goal is to give young people, and the adults
who care for them, the confidence and competence to speak up safely and
effectively when bullying happens," said
Alice Cahn,
Cartoon Network vice president of social responsibility. "Working with
expert partners nationwide, Cartoon Network provides practical bullying
prevention advice kids can put into action. This new phase of our
campaign is meant to empower anyone who wants to take an active role in
seeing bullying come to an end. We embrace and thank the one million
people out there willing to publicly take a stand; coming together, we
can all make a difference for our nation's children."
During CARTOON NETWORK'S SPEAK UP WEEK, in addition to the videos,
Cartoon Network will air shorts, bumps and PSAs with anti-bullying
themes featuring the overlying message that "speaking up" should become
the action when bullying occurs. Each message will remind viewers to
visit StopBullyingSpeakUp.com to learn how they can participate in the
one million video challenge. Additional spots will feature animated
characters from Cartoon Network's original series interacting with kids
and families who have shared their "I Speak Up" message at
StopBullyingSpeakUp.com. Furthermore, Cartoon Network, Boomerang and
Turner Broadcasting sister networks TBS, TNT, CNN, HLN, NBA TV and TruTV
will air special bumps showcasing recorded messages from Turner
celebrities encouraging even more viewer participation. Finally, an
official "I Speak Up" tally will appear onscreen each day noting how
many people have officially "spoken up" by submitting videos and/or
pledges during within the campaign.
For anyone interested in sharing their own "I Speak Up" video, easy instructions are readily available at
www.StopBullyingSpeakUp.com,
along with recommendations for optimum video results. All participants
will be asked to sign a digital release form to clear use of the video
for all on-air, online and/or social media opportunities. Users under
the age of 18 will be encouraged to ask a parent for permission and for
help in submitting a video. Those that participate are also encouraged
to use the hashtag #ISpeakUp to share videos via their own social media
platforms to help spread the word and enlist friends to take part in the
challenge.
About Stop Bullying: Speak Up
Cartoon Network's
Stop Bullying: Speak Up is an
award-winning, multi-platform pro-social campaign, created with experts
in the field to raise awareness, build partnerships and empower young
people to speak up against bullying safely and effectively. Campaign
resources include video, print and online content—including an
award-winning documentary introduced by President
Barack Obama—available
at StopBullyingSpeakUp.com, available at no charge to schools,
community groups and parents to motivate bullying prevention activities
or discussions.