Celebrities Join Together to STOMP Out Bullying

New York, NY, October 18, 2012 --(PR.com)-- October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month and STOMP Out Bullying™ has increased efforts to raise awareness and prevent bullying in all its forms.

On October 1st the country and those across the globe joined STOMP Out Bullying™ in it Fourth Annual BLUE SHIRT DAY™ World Day of Bullying Prevention where students, schools and celebrities wore blue in solidarity to STOMP Out Bullying. The day was remarkably successful as hundreds of thousands went blue. Students are also painting their pinky nails blue for the month of October to STOP the Drama!

Teen celebrities Bella Thorne, Kat McNamara, Nathan Kress, Francia Raisa, Billy Unger, Savannah Jayde, Kenton Duty, Payton Rae and Elizabeth Stanton have been involved in a month-long social media campaign to promote the organizations prevention activities.

In order to raise funds for bullying and digital abuse prevention, education and peer mentoring in schools and to grow the organization’s HelpChat Line, STOMP Out Bullying is holding its Fifth Annual Celebrity STOMP Out Bullying Auction on Heritage Auctions (www.ha.com/526) which begins on October 18th and runs through October 31st.

It’s no surprise that celebrities are generous and they care deeply about putting an end to bullying. This year’s auction includes live experiences from Paul McCartney, Nick Cannon, Ellen Degeneres, Celine Dion, Rao’s, Bella Thorne, Dancing With the Stars, Tom Bergeron, Mastros Steakhouse, the Cake Boss, CSI:NY, Z100 Jingle Ball, Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen -- and more.

And STOMP Out Bullying Global Ambassador Kat McNamara (star of the movie “Contest” to be released next summer) created a powerful PSA about students “Upstanders.” Kyle Dean Massey (also starring in the movie) appeared with STOMP Out Bullying founder and Chief Executive Officer Ross Ellis on Good Day New York to discuss the month’s efforts.

Ross Ellis, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of STOMP Out Bullying said: “The support and voices of celebrities who want to see students safe makes a huge difference. We are very grateful to all of the celebrities who support our work. They know how critical it is to keep our youth safe, as well as to help all those who are at-risk for suicide.”

Other celebrities who have supported the organization include: Elton John, Bette Midler, Billy Joel, Barry Manilow, John Cusack, Bryan Adams, Daughtry, Kelly Clarkson, Demi Lovato, Metallica, Michael Buble, JoJo, Wilmer Valderrama, Donny and Marie, Nigel Lythgoe and others.

And to date the STOMP Out Bullying™ Global Ambassadors include: Nick Cannon, Brittany Snow, Taye Diggs, Sean Kingston, Lance Bass, Emily Osment, JoJo, Tyler Blackburn, Kat McNamara, Katie LeClerc, Melissa Joan Hart, Maria Sansone, Payton Rae, Carolina Bermudez, Kristen Alderson, Brittany Underwood and Coy Stewart.

Since 2005 STOMP Out Bullying™, has been the leading national anti-bullying and cyberbullying organization for kids and teens in the U.S. It focuses on reducing and preventing bullying, cyberbullying, sexting and other digital abuse, educating against homophobia, racism and hatred, decreasing school absenteeism, and deterring violence in schools, online and in communities across the country. It teaches effective solutions on how to respond to all forms of bullying; as well as educating kids and teens in school and online, providing help for those in need and at risk of suicide, raising awareness and offers peer mentoring programs in schools.

The program offers kids and teens a safe haven and solutions. From information and resources, to a 24/7 HelpChat line for kids and teens who are bullied and at-risk for suicide, to an online area where they can talk about bullying, get involved in social media efforts and share their stories and videos on our Web site, become peer mentors at school, raise awareness and offer students their own way to end this issue with our online Student Participation Toolkit and raise awareness on BLUE SHIRT DAY™ World Day of Bullying Prevention.

In fact since its HelpChat Line began in June, 2011, to date -- STOMP Out Bullying™ has helped over 4300 students and saved the lives of 62.

Ellis also stated: "Kids who are intimidated, threatened, or harmed by bullies and cyberbullies often experience low self-esteem and depression. Some kids are so tormented that suicide has become an alternative. It has everyone worried. Not just the kids on its receiving end, but parents and others who don’t understand how extreme bullying can get. Everyone must take caution and sensitivity in handling these issues."

1 out of 4 kids are bullied, 9 out of 10 LGBT kids are harassed every day, depending on their age, up to 40% of students are harassed online and 8% of kids stay home from school everyday for fear of being bullied.

Ross Ellis added “STOMP Out Bullying offers hope for every student who experiences the harmful effects of bullying and teaches parents to keep open communication with their children and to look for signs. It also educates school administrators across the country who have failed our youth and must commit to helping them.”

Bullying is a form of child abuse and bullies are likely to grow up as adults who abuse children. By educating our children, we can stop the bullying before it ever starts.