TORONTO – Family Channel launched its 11th annual Bullying Awareness Week campaign Tuesday with the message to Stand UP!, not stand by, when bullying happens.
Headlined by the release of a new original anthem, the campaign also features a dedicated website with extensive bilingual resources, the return of Family’s in-school rally tour, plus a week of special bullying prevention programming from November 18 to 24.
This year’s music video features dancers from Family’s series The Next Step dancing independently at first, but then coming together to have a stronger impact. In the coming weeks, the channel will release an instructional dance-along version of the music video’s chorus enabling viewers at home to join the “Stand Up and Shout” movement.
“It’s been proven that music is an effective way to send a message and inspire action. By adding in the element of dance this year, we are finding new ways to connect with the kids who recognize the importance of bullying prevention in their communities,” said Joe Tedesco, Family’s general manager and senior vice president, in a statement. “We are always impressed by the response and support we receive from the enthusiastic kids, teachers and parents we meet throughout the Stand UP! campaign. Family, together with our passionate stars and dedicated partners at PREVNet, is looking forward to another successful campaign that motivates and empowers Canadians to stand up to bullying.”
Family Channel co-founded Bullying Awareness Week in 2003 and developed the Stand UP! campaign in association with PREVNet (Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network), a national network of Canadian researchers, community organizations and governments committed to ending bullying and promoting positive relationships.
