Here is a disturbing fact: A survey carried out among Israeli children and teenagers found that most Israeli children would rather experience physical violence than experience bullying.
Today’s reality however is harsh. If before the advent of social media bullying ended at the gates to school; today with much of kids’ social lives managed via platforms like Whatsapp, Instagram and Facebook, bullying goes way beyond the schoolground – following children throughout their day, whether they are at home or at after school sports activities. And when you’re being picked on, when you’re excluded from the class Whatsapp group, shamed on Facebook by bullies hiding behind their keyboard, the scars stay with you well after you graduate.
Bullying is cruel and heartless and can lead to harsh consequences and in some cases even suicide. But rather than appeal to the bullies or reach out to the victims – we decided to opt for an audience that carries a lot more sway – the silent majority who sit on the sidelines. The kids who while they do not take part in the boycott, also do nothing to stop it.
The campaign initiated by the office of the President of the State of Israel, Mr. Reuven Rivlin, under the hashtag #Don’t_Just_Stand_By, was created in collaboration with stars and influencers children love and aims at empowering the silent majority by directing them to a website with tips to help them fight bullying and not stand idly by.
The campaign, which launched just a few days ago, has so far shown amazing results:
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