Britain’s Prince William is supporting a new anti-bullying campaign, spearheaded by The Diana Award.
The 34-year-old royal has recorded a message of support in which he slammed bullying as "stupid and cruel" and encouraged everyone to stand up for those who need it.
He said: "Bullying is an issue which can affect any one of us, regardless of age, background, gender, sexuality, race, disability or religion. It can happen for many reasons. It is often stupid and cruel, and can take many forms."
"It is our collective responsibility to be alert, and to be ready to challenge the behaviour we see around us. We all have a role to play to ensure that we do not standby, but instead stand up, and put a stop to bullying. "
William recorded the message for the first ever National Stand Up To Bullying Day and a host of celebrities including Sir Ben Kingsley, Will Poulter, Imelda Staunton, Jim Carter, Susanna Reid, Christopher Eccleston and Nicola Roberts all star in a new campaign video.
Tessy Ojo, CEO, of the Diana Award – which was set up as a lasting legacy to Princess Diana’s belief that young people have the power to change the world for the better – said: "This campaign goes beyond the 1 in 2 people affected by bullying; it is about everyone, every single one of us taking the collective responsibility to tackle bullying. It is also about changing the perceived view that bullying is a rite of passage. We know the devastating effect bullying has on people which reaches way beyond the school gates. We’re urging everyone to get behind Stand Up To Bullying Day today. Make a pledge to do something different, to act differently and to offer kindness, whenever and wherever possible, because being a bystander, simply makes us a part of the problem."
The Diana Award’s campaign is encouraging everyone across society to take a physical or visible stand against all forms of bullying behaviour. For more information, go to www.standuptobullying.co.uk
Prince William stands up to bullying
