It may have been a day, July 5th, 2016, however this is an issue that we must discuss and continue to build awareness and prevention on a daily basis – 365 days a year.
I’m always thrilled when I read about celebrities and public figures stepping up to make a difference, and that’s exactly what Prince William is doing with his National Stand Up To Bullying Campaign.
The Duke of Cambridge has urged everyone to be ready to challenge bullying behavior in a video message to support the first ever National Stand Up To Bullying Day which was July 5th.
Prince William warned that bullying is not just confined to the playground or classroom and can affect anyone regardless of age, background, gender, sexuality, race, disability or religion, since it has now gone viral with online abuse. He also recognizes the fact that bullying and cyberbullying is profoundly damaging and can have long lasting effects, especially for young people.
Prince Williams says in this powerful video, “It can happen for many reasons, it is often stupid and cruel and can take any form. And the reach of technology means it can feel unrelenting leaving the victim feeling attacked, powerless and isolated.”
It’s time for us to be part of making a difference to turn around the peer cruelty we witness both offline and online. Empathy and compassion can combat bullying and cyberbullying. Bullying is a learned behavior and can be unlearned according to Dr. Michele Borba, Educational Psychologist and author of UnSelfie.
Together, we all must STAND UP TO BULLYING.