45 million people take part in record breaking Stop Cyberbullying Day

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.

Stop Cyberbullying Day 2015 was the largest in Cybersmile's history, surpassing all expectations and received overwhelming support from activists, public figures, non-profits, civil servants, schools, police, parents, young people and digital abuse victims.

Supporters uploaded videos, blog posts and messages of encouragement throughout the day while celebrities also participated in the event to help raise awareness of digital abuse.

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 and had the, "Power to change the culture." Richard Armitage told his fans, "Don't let them bring you down. 'They will never give up' Smile in the face of their damaging words."

MTV's 'The Hills' star Audrina Patridge took part in an exclusive Q and A with The Cybersmile Foundation to highlight cyberbullying and how she faces online abuse every day, "There's always something, whether it be picking me apart, judging me, critiquing me, etc. You name it, and I've been through it all. It's emotionally draining if you let it get to you."

'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine' actress Chase Masterson along with 'Star Trek' actor William Shatner and the Anti-Bullying Coalition also joined forces with The Cybersmile Foundation to raise awareness.

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 with videos and social posts.

"We are ecstatic to see Stop Cyberbullying Day 2015 reach 45 million people online with messages of positivity and hope for a brighter digital future. We'd like to thank all our partners, celebrity supporters, educational institutions, companies and people all around the world who contributed to the day being such a historic success." - Scott Freeman, Founder - The Cybersmile Foundation

Supporters of Stop Cyberbullying Day 2015 will be able to access a full information pack which will highlight the day's events. For more information contact info@cybersmile.org.

Stop Cyberbullying Day 2015

#SCD2015

About The Cybersmile Foundation

The Cybersmile Foundation is a multi award winning non-profit organization committed to tackling all forms of digital abuse and bullying online. They work to promote diversity and inclusion by building a safer, more positive digital community.

Through education and the promotion of positive digital citizenship, The Cybersmile Foundation reduces incidents of cyberbullying and provides professional help along with support services to children and adults.

Connect

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CybersmileHQ

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCybersmileFoundation

Website: http://www.cybersmile.org/

Community support website: http://www.cybersmile.org/cyberbullying-support-community

Contact

pressoffice@cybersmile.org