October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month and STOMP Out Bullying has increased efforts to raise awareness and prevent bullying in all its forms.
STOMP Out Bullying is holding its Fifth Annual Celebrity STOMP Out Bullying Auction on Heritage Auctions which begins on October 18th and ends on October 31st.
Funds from the auction support for bullying and digital abuse prevention, education, peer mentoring, and the organization’s HelpChat Line, which to date this year has helped over 8500 students and saved the lives of 102. These numbers increase daily.
It’s no surprise that celebrities are generous and care about ending to bullying. This year’s auction includes live experiences from Nick Cannon, Ellen DeGeneres, Z100 Jingle Ball, Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Lady Antebellum, LeAnn Rimes, The Voice, Royal Pains, Lance Bass and more!
Ross Ellis, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of STOMP Out Bullying said: “The support and voices of celebrities who want students to safe at school and online is so important. We are very grateful to all of the celebrities and the entertainment community who support our work in keeping at-risk youth safe from suicide.”
Other celebrities who have supported the organization include: Paul McCartney, Elton John, Bette Midler, Billy Joel, Barry Manilow, John Cusack, Bryan Adams, Daughtry, Kelly Clarkson, Demi Lovato, Metallica, Michael Buble, JoJo, Wilmer Valderrama, Donny and Marie Osmond and others.
To date the STOMP Out Bullying Global Ambassadors include: Nick Cannon, Brittany Snow, Taye Diggs, Sean Kingston, Lance Bass, Emily Osment, JoJo, Tyler Blackburn, Bella Thorne, Kat McNamara, Katie LeClerc, Melissa Joan Hart, Maria Sansone, Payton Rae, Carolina Bermudez, Kristen Alderson, Ashley Argota, Alyssa Miller, Jameel McClain, Brittany Underwood and others.
Since 2005 STOMP Out Bullying, has been the leading national anti-bullying organization for kids and teens in the U.S. It focuses on reducing and preventing bullying, cyberbullying, sexting and other digital abuse, educating against homophobia, racism and hatred, decreasing school absenteeism, and deterring violence in schools, online and in communities across the country. It teaches effective solutions on how to respond to all forms of bullying; as well as educating kids and teens in school and online, providing help for those in need and at risk of suicide, raising awareness and offers peer mentoring programs in schools
The program offers kids and teens a safe haven and solutions. From information and resources, to a 24/7 HelpChat line for kids and teens who are bullied and at-risk for suicide, a place where kids can share their stories and videos on a Web site, become peer mentors at school, raise awareness and offer students their own way to end this issue with our online Student Participation Toolkit and raise awareness on BLUE SHIRT DAY WORLD DAY OF BULLYING PREVENTION.
Ellis also stated: “Kids who are intimidated, threatened, or harmed by bullies and cyberbullies often experience low self-esteem and depression. Some kids are so tormented that suicide has become an alternative. It has everyone worried. Not just the kids on its receiving end, but parents and others who don’t understand how extreme bullying can get. Everyone must take caution and sensitivity in handling these issues.”
1 out of 4 kids are bullied, 9 out of 10 LGBT kids are harassed every day, depending on their age, up to 43% of students are harassed online and 8% of kids stay home from school everyday for fear of being bullied.
Ross Ellis added “STOMP Out Bullying offers hope to students who experience the harmful effects of bullying and teaches parents what signs to look for. It also educates school administrators across the country who have failed our youth and must commit to helping them.”
Bullying is a form of child abuse and bullies are likely to grow up as adults who abuse children. By educating our children, we can stop the bullying BEFORE it ever starts.
Visit StompOutBullying.org.
