Cartoon Network’s STOP BULLYING: SPEAK UP is a multi-platform pro-social initiative aimed at empowering youth to take constructive action when they see someone being bullied.

History

In the spring of 2009, research with our audience revealed that young people identified bullying as one of the biggest problems they face.  However, they also told us that bullying was a problem they thought they could fix if they had some help. Cartoon Network assembled an expert advisory board and partnerships to craft and distribute useful information.  These efforts led us to understand that while young people can lead the charge, it will take young people and adults working together to create environments where bullying is considered unacceptable.

Project Launch

STOP BULLYING: SPEAK UP launched with an Anderson Cooper special on CNN and CN PSA’s in October 2010 to coincide with National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month and will continue throughout this year and beyond.  Our distribution and content partners include: CNN, CNN Student News, TBS, TNT, the Ellen Show website, the US Departments of Health and Human Services and Education, Boys and Girls Clubs and the Anti-Defamation League

Key Elements

In addition to the on-air/online PSA’s featuring CN talent, the campaign includes a host of free resources including: live events; in-school and community-based resources from our partners; a dedicated website through CartoonNetwork.com; and direct links to partner websites for additional resources and information.

The Future

Because stopping the bullying crisis will take collaborative and longitudinal efforts, Cartoon Network has designated STOP BULLYING: SPEAK UP to be a long-term commitment to our core audience and partners.  Plans are currently in the works for a 2011 CNN special and additional plans and partners will be announced throughout 2011.