One out of every four students reports being bullied during the school year, according to a 2015 report by the National Center for Educational Statistics.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month and Disney ABC Television and ESPN are working together to encourage everyone to “choose kindness” in an effort to help end bullying.
In addition to a $25,000 donation being made by ESPN, our ABC television programs The Chew, The View AND World News Tonight highlighted STOMP Out Bullying’s “World Day of Bullying Prevention” to spread awareness and stop bullying and cyberbullying. Long-time supporter Robin Roberts showed her support by taping a PSA in honor of Blue Shirt Day® World Day of Bullying Prevention on October 5.
We are also working with DoSomething.Org, GLAAD, GLSEN and PACER throughout the month of October to show how everyone can choose kindness. DoSomething.Org is the largest organization for young people and social change in the world, and everyone is encouraged to spread positivity by posting inspirational quotes from famous athletes and writers about the importance of kindness, perseverance and overcoming adversity throughout their locker rooms, gyms and libraries. The goal is to help young people express compassion and choose kindness in troubling situations to help build a culture of positivity in their schools.
We invite you to be a part of our campaign by showing how you #ChooseKindness and by spreading positivity in your social media posts throughout the month of October.
Our hope is that this campaign strengthens our communities by encouraging youth and adults to be inspired to create the world they imagine by choosing kindness, and thus putting an end to bullying.
For more about how we inspire our communities everyday, visit ABC.com/BeInspired or ESPN.com/Citizenship.