Disney and Common Sense Team for Anti-Cyberbullying Campaign
via Disney Channel press release:
DISNEY AND COMMON SENSE MEDIA
TEAM FOR ANTI-CYBERBULLYING CAMPAIGN ON
DISNEY CHANNEL, DISNEY XD AND DISNEY.COM
Public Service Announcements Feature Bridgit Mendler,
Common Sense Media’s “Role Model of the Year” Honoree
For a proactive, far-reaching campaign that encourages kids and families to take a stand against cyberbullying, Common Sense Media teamed with Disney’s Friends for Change, the popular initiative that inspires kids to make a difference in their world. Public Service Announcements geared towards kids age 6-14 and their families, each featuring the stars of Disney Channel and Disney XD hit series, will be presented multiple times per day beginning THURSDAY, APRIL 5 on Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney.com. The messages were developed under the guidance of Common Sense Media, an independent non-profit organization which helps parents and teachers manage the media and technology in kids’ lives. For more information, each PSA directs viewers to www.Disney.com/commonsense.
The PSAs feature Bridgit Mendler, Common Sense Media’s “Role Model of the Year” honoree, who will be recognized APRIL 25 in San Francisco for her outstanding leadership and enthusiasm to inspire kids to make a difference.
Adam Bonnett, Senior Vice President, Original Programming, Disney Channel, said, “As the media platforms and viewing patterns of our audience become more interactive, it’s become more important for us to reinforce the significance of positive social communication. We’re proud to be working with Common Sense Media on this effort, giving an opportunity for our talent to connect with our viewers against cyberbullying, and in support of responsible, respectful behavior on-line and in-person.”
“Today’s kids connect, create, and collaborate through media. But it’s extremely important for them to understand the implications of their online actions,” said James Steyer, CEO and founder, Common Sense Media. “This campaign will help empower kids to think critically about how they interact with others in their online and mobile lives, and help them become smart and respectful digital citizens.”
In one PSA, 16 year-old Billy Unger of the Disney XD series “Lab Rats,” provides a personal account of being bullied while he was in the fourth grade and how, through the guidance of his parents and school administrators, he managed to navigate it.
In other messages in the campaign, Disney Channel stars help raise awareness of the issue of cyberbullying. They are: China Anne McClain, Sierra McCormick, Jake Short, Stefanie Scott and Carlon Jeffery of “A.N.T. Farm,” Ross Lynch, Laura Marano, Raini Rodriguez and Calum Worthy of “Austin & Ally,” Bridgit Mendler, Jason Dolley, Leigh-Allyn Baker, Bradley Steven Perry and Eric Allan Kramer of “Good Luck Charlie,” Debby Ryan, Kevin Chamberlin, Peyton List, Cameron Boyce, Karan Brar and Skai Jackson of “Jessie,” Bella Thorne, Zendaya, Davis Cleveland, Roshon Fegan, Adam Irigoyen, Kenton Duty and Caroline Sunshine of “Shake It Up.”
Disney’s Friends for Change activities foster creativity, conservation and compassion. To date, Friends for Change kids in thirty-three countries around the world have taken almost five million actions to help people, their communities and the planet. For more information, please visit Disney.com/friends.
Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. We exist because our kids are growing up in a culture that profoundly impacts their physical, social, and emotional well-being. We provide families with the advice and media reviews they need in order to make the best choices for their children. Through our education programs and policy efforts, Common Sense Media empowers parents, educators, and young people to become knowledgeable and responsible digital citizens. For more information, go to: www.commonsense.org.
Disney Channel is a 24-hour kid-driven, family inclusive television network that taps into the world of kids and families through original series and movies. Currently available on basic cable in over 99 million U.S. homes and to millions of other viewers on Disney Channels around the world, Disney Channel is part of the Disney/ABC Television Group.
Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for Kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. Disney XD branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., Disney XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser supported network that reaches over 78 million households via its basic cable and satellite affiliates.