45 million people tuned in to The Cybersmile Foundation's annual Stop Cyberbullying Day event on Friday, aimed at raising awareness of online abuse to encourage people to seek positive change and tackle cyberbullying.
Richard Armitage, Audrina Patridge, Chase Masterson, William Shatner and Fifth Harmony were among the superstar supporters of this year's record breaking event that became a trending topic on Twitter during Friday, with thousands of tweets from people every hour debating cyberbullying.
Stop Cyberbullying Day 2015 was the largest in Cybersmile's history and sent a clear message that online abuse is something that is affecting millions of people and it can no longer be ignored.
Happy Stop Cyberbullying Day! Please tweet #SCD2015 to make the cyber world a better place! http://t.co/CVgEdFnk0G pic.twitter.com/oEH8qInLL5
— CybersmileFoundation (@CybersmileHQ) June 19, 2015
Supporters uploaded videos, blog posts and messages of encouragement throughout the day on Twitter, Facebook and other social networks to share their views on how they deal with cyberbullying. Digital abuse now affects more than 55% of teens according to a recent study conducted by Sugarscape for The Cybersmile Foundation.
Cybersmile Ambassadors including 'The Hobbit' actor Richard Armitage and American girl group Fifth Harmony encouraged their fans to speak up about abuse while Monica Lewinsky spoke about how people could support each other.
It's Stop Cyberbullying Day today and we're helping @CybersmileHQ build a more positive future! #SCD2015 #5HGirlsCan http://t.co/PRjO4Lf6ZH
— Fifth Harmony (@FifthHarmony) June 19, 2015
Today is Stop Cyberbullying Day! By supporting one another online, we have the power to change the culture. #SCD2015 https://t.co/45pFFjGvMW
— Bystander Revolution (@BystanderRev) June 19, 2015
Richard Armitage, arguably one of the most prolific supporters of the non-profit, issued a series of tweets during the day to his fans:
.@CybersmileHQ Don't let them bring you down. 'They will never give up' Smile in the face of their damaging words. Cybersmile
— Richard Armitage (@RCArmitage) June 18, 2015
@CybersmileHQ #SCD2015 "An eye for an eye"? How about "turn the other cheek"?
— Richard Armitage (@RCArmitage) June 19, 2015
MTV's 'The Hills' star Audrina Patridge also spoke with The Cybersmile Foundation to highlight cyberbullying and revealed that she faces online abuse every day. Her advice to people getting bullied online was:
"I know it’s easier said than done, but don’t play into it or let it affect you. I usually delete and block the person. Anyone can be heartless, rude and judgmental, but it takes a lot more to be nice and do the right thing, especially when someone is attacking you."
'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine' actress Chase Masterson along with 'Star Trek' actor William Shatner and the Anti-Bullying Coalition also worked behind the scenes with The Cybersmile Foundation to raise awareness of the issue.
.@CybersmileHQ makes a major impact against bullying & was voted Best New UK Charity. Here's what they do: https://t.co/bUsUAQW3pS #SCD2015
— Chase Masterson (@ChaseMasterson) June 19, 2015
A wonderful organization! So happy we were able to capitalize on the good work synergy of both your efforts! https://t.co/RFne37ffI9
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) June 19, 2015
Major brands including Twitter, MTV, Sugarscape, PopShack, Wicked, and Talking Tom lent their support to Stop Cyberbullying Day, raising the profile of the event while music artists, actors and other non-profits including Childhelp and Childnet International encouraged positivity through their social media pages.
Let's put an end to cyberbullying with #SCD2015 & @CybersmileHQ ? http://t.co/Try7VNi8Fj
— MTV (@MTV) June 19, 2015
Today is Stop Cyberbullying Day! Raise awareness by hash tagging #SCD2015 on Instagram & Twitter @CybersmileHQ pic.twitter.com/BoEFLzH9Ge
— Red (@ItsRedRedRed) June 19, 2015
Support our partners @CybersmileHQ this Stop Cyberbullying Day and help us make the internet brighter ??? #SCD2015 pic.twitter.com/mjLamhVTT9
— Twitter for Good (@TwitterForGood) June 19, 2015
Let's make a difference both online and off to stop cyberbullying, for good. Help us spread the word this #SCD2015! pic.twitter.com/u4FwFlxxdC
— Wicked UK (@WickedUK) June 19, 2015
Stop Cyberbullying Day took place on June 19th. For more information check out the Cybersmile Foundation website.
