iCarly star Miranda Cosgrove is fronting a new TV campaign to raise awareness of cyberbullying.
As part of Nickelodeon's The Big Help, a long-term effort to connect kids to issues and information important in their lives, the multiplatform, interactive initiative will include a website that will highlight Common Sense Media’s digital citizenship and anti-bullying advice — Common Sense’s “Rules of the Road” — to help kids practice safe and responsible online and mobile behavior.
The campaign will also include PSAs featuring the stars from Nickelodeon’s hit live-action series, including iCarly’s Miranda Cosgrove and Nathan Kress, who will share tips developed from Common Sense Media’s groundbreaking digital citizenship curriculum for avoiding and reporting cyberbullying. True Jackson, VP’s Ashley Argota and Gage Golightly from The Troop will appear in PSAs that will be featured on Nickelodeon channels and websites, including Nickelodeon, TeenNick and Nick.com.
“Today’s kids connect, create, and collaborate through media. But it’s extremely important for them to reflect on the implications of their online actions,” said James Steyer, CEO and founder, Common Sense Media. “We need to empower our kids to think critically about how they interact with others in their online and mobile lives, and help them make responsible decisions. We’re thrilled to partner with Nickelodeon on this campaign. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to provide kids directly with the tools and tips they need to be smart, creative, and respectful digital citizens.”
“Kids are interacting with digital media every day. It is second nature to them and an important part of their lives,” said Marva Smalls, executive vice president of public affairs, Nickelodeon Kids and Family Group. “Nickelodeon provides kids with information to help them have engaging, entertaining and healthy experiences online. By partnering with Common Sense, we will help young people simplify and improve their digital communications.”
Nickelodeon will be presenting the digital citizenship and anti-bullying campaign as part of The Big Help pro-social initiative, empowering kids to take positive action on issues that impact their world by giving them the tools to do it. In the PSAs, Nickelodeon’s live-action stars will speak directly to kids about the importance of showing mutual respect for people when communicating on all digital platforms. They also will talk about online safety and urge kids to use “common sense” through tips on protecting their privacy and identity online.
At Nick.com, The Big Help experience will also feature Common Sense Media’s “Rules of the Road” videos and lessons, including an anti-bullying quiz and other interactive content. Kids who participate in the campaign will receive digital rewards for their Nick.com avatars. Nickelodeon’s ParentsConnect.com will also be a part of this initiative with a special “Rules of the Road” section and a discussion board.
Common Sense Media and Nickelodeon are collaborating on all aspects of the long-term anti-bullying and digital citizenship campaign, including an additional microsite that will be developed by Common Sense later this year.
To view the PSAs and connect with the new anti-bullying and digital citizenship campaign from Common Sense Media and Nickelodeon, visit Nick.com/thebighelp and click on the Digital Citizenship hub tab.
