#ActToChange with Twitter to Prevent Bullying
By Patricia Cartes
At Twitter we work hard to create a safe, secure and an enjoyable environment for our users.
This October, during National Bullying Prevention Month, we are excited to promote the bullying prevention campaign #ActToChange. Visit ActToChange.org to take the #ActToChange pledge against bullying, find resources in multiple languages, and check out empowerment video and music playlists. And follow the organizations behind #ActToChange; @WhiteHouseAAPI, @sikh_coalition, and @CAPEUSA.
As social media and internet technology continues to evolve, we have taken the insight shared by Twitter users and safety experts on a regular basis to develop innovations to better serve our users. Over the last few months, we changed our reporting mechanisms, overhauled how we review user reports, and improved our block feature. We have also created a new Safety Center portal consisting of resources for anyone who wants to learn about online safety. The portal includes sections specifically targeted for teens, parents, and educators.
Bullying prevention initiatives are important but they can’t be successful without the involvement of all of us and our communities. Recently, we hosted a Q&A with the Diana Awards Anti-Bullying Campaign to combat cyberbullying, which featured popular YouTuber Marcus Butler who offered advice to young people about how to deal with bullying and cyber-bullying when going back to school. We also recently partnered with STOMP Out Bullying, a nonprofit based in New York, and the New York Jets to create STOMP Out Bullying Educators’ Prevention Toolkits. Other programs we have contributed to include the NO BULL Challenge, an initiative that uses the power of social media and filmmaking to combat bullying, and Vodafone’s #BeStrong campaign.
Bullying prevention efforts are key to stop online harassment and to promote a safe environment for all of our Twitter users. To learn more about Twitter’s stance against bullying and online safety, follow @Safety and check out our list of partners in the Safety Center.
Lastly, join us in using the hashtag #ActToChange to share your story and your suggestions for promoting good digital citizenship!
Patricia Cartes is Head of Global Trust and Safety Outreach, Public Policy at Twitter.
