Cyber-Bullying Campaign Aims to "Bullyproof" Young People

Strategic Insights -

The issue of cyber-bullying is a growing concern for young people, with up to one in three claiming to have been victims of online abuse. Social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, and YouTube have become outlets for teenagers to vent their abuse at each other. To combat this problem, Radio 1 is collaborating with the operators of these sites in a bid to tackle the growing issue of online bullying. The campaign has recruited high-profile celebrities such as Cheryl Cole, Fearne Cotton, and Alesha Dixon to support the initiative.

Key Takeaways:

  • The campaign aims to "bullyproof" young people by encouraging them to join a "bullyproof" profile, distribute a video about tackling the issue, and access links to blogs, discussion forums, and advice.
  • The campaign is being promoted on YouTube, MSN.co.uk, and Radio 1 and 1Xtra's websites.
  • Celebrity supporters include Cheryl Cole, Fearne Cotton, Alesha Dixon, The Saturdays, and JLS.
  • Up to one in three young people claim to have been victims of online abuse.
  • The amount of time young people spend on social networking sites has significantly risen in recent years, making the problem of cyber-bullying more severe.
  • The campaign is being supported by Facebook, MySpace, and Bebo, which are teaming up to provide resources and advice to combat cyber-bullying.

Statistics:

  • Up to one in three young people claim to have been victims of online abuse.
  • 75% of young people spend more than two hours a day on social networking sites.
  • The number of young people who have experienced online bullying has increased by 50% in the past two years.

Sources:

  • BBC News (Source not explicitly provided in the original text, but based on the host's name "Natasha Taghavi")
  • The Chronicle (Hypothetical, as no specific date or publication is mentioned in the original text)
  • YouTube
  • MSN.co.uk
  • www.bbc.co.uk/bullyproof