Media Response

Comment by Emma-Jane Cross, CEO of Beatbullying

March 25th 2010

“What a year it’s been!

“As the Department for Children, Schools and Families generously re-funds our pioneering Cybermentors programme for another year we look back on the last 12 months and marvel at how far we’ve come.

“When Gordon Brown launched the cybermentors.org.,uk site in March 2009 we knew there was a need for a safe online space for young people to go to for support.

“With one in three young people experiencing cyber-bullying we knew our youth were crying out for a place populated by other young people where they could access advice and support from people their age.

“We were overwhelmed by a staggering 400,000 troubled people would coming to the site looking for a place to talk.

“We’ve found they talk not only about bullying but also other wellbeing issues such as mental health concerns, self harm, body image and all the daily anxieties of youth.

“The refunding of Cybermentors is a profound investment by the Government; this service is an absolute essential.

“Over 4,000 Cybermentors have been trained this year – including Georgia Woods, who was recognised by the News of the World as a children’s champion, which we’re very proud of.

“While this year has been a success for Cybermentors it has been a year of sadness for many families affected by cyber-bullying.

“Megan Gillan, Holly Grogan, Mickey Miller, Simone Grice, Dean Booth and Leanne Wolfe are just some of the young people so traumatised by bullying they have taken drastic measures to blot out the bullies.

“With the support of our fantastic Cybermentors, and campaign partners like the News of the World, we’re hopeful that we can stem the escalation of bullying and save lives.

“Milestones like the launch of our hard hitting advertising campaign and high profile celebrity partnerships and awareness initiatives have done much, but looking ahead there is plenty more to do.

“Our mission to get social networking sites to provide ‘panic buttons’ is marching on with Bebo and MSN on board and Facebook linking closely with us.

“We still have lots of headway to make in schools and we need the support of all political parties to deliver a joined up bullying prevention strategy in schools.

“This re-funding means that we can now train many more Cybermentors continuing the positive cycle of advice and care for those in need of support. We hope these young people will spread the anti-bullying message across their schools and communities.

“I’m proud of Beatbullying’s achievements and grateful to our many supporters for helping make such a significant difference to the lives of young people across the country.”