Cartoon Network Teams With Nonprofits to Fight Bullying
In its "Stop Bullying: Speak Up" campaign, the network is asking its audience to submit user-generated videos. A variety of nonprofits are helping it reach its big goal: a million clips.
The Cartoon Network holds a lot of sway with the kids—and in recent years, it’s tried to use its influence to make bullying a thing of the past.
Since 2010, the network has led a “Stop Bullying: Speak Up” campaign each year to encourage its audience to say something when they see bullying in action. The network has worked closely with a number of kid-focused organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and 4-H Clubs, along with groups that have a stake in anti-bullying efforts, including the Anti-Defamation League, the American Federation of Teachers, and Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention.
The Boys and Girls Clubs helped produce a documentary, embedded above, that aired on the Cartoon Network in 2013.
This year, the network is joining with its nonprofit partners to take things a step further: It’s encouraging its audience to create 1 million user-generated videos in which they commit to stopping bullying when they see it by speaking up.
“We’re so proud of the youth who inspired this campaign by their courage and kindness,” Cartoon Network Vice President of Social Responsibility Alice Cahn said in a statement. “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.”
Videos can be submitted at the Stop Bullying: Speak Up website. The network is offering participants an opportunity to get an extra perk out of the whole deal: a chance to see their face on the Cartoon Network during Speak Up Week, September 29 through October 3.
Alex Libby, featured in the film "The Bully Effect," a joint production of the Cartoon Network and Boys and Girls Clubs of America. (YouTube screenshot)
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