A Philadelphia School Kicks Off TV Network's National Anti-Bullying Campaign
By Michelle Durham
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Students at a Frankford public school today helped to inaugurate a nationwide "Stop Bullying, Speak Up" campaign on a well-known television network.
"I think this is a great opportunity for our students to really be at the forefront to make a statement and take a stand against bullying," said Michael Calderone, principal of Harding Middle School, in the 2000 block of Wakeling Street.
Cartoon Network president an CEO Stuart Snyder says he hopes this campaign harnesses the power of many to conquer bullying, by showing kids what to do when they see it happen, "to use a our platform to give the kids the confidence, and to create a dialogue between kids, parents, and educators so we can really do something about this big problem."
Students took a pledge to stop bullying, and then Snyder, with the help of several Cartoon Network stars, unveiled several banners.
"Congratulations, Harding Middle School, "he said. "You are officially the first school in the country to fly the 'Stop Bullying, Speak Up' flag."
Raina Mills, a 7th grader who is student body president, said she thinks this program is a great idea "because it will show people what to do and everything: what is right and what is wrong, and how they should actually be treating people."
Also on hand was US senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.), who is reintroducing the Safe Schools Improvement Act, which aims to ensure that children don't avoid school because they are afraid of bullying.
Casey said kids have the power to change their world.
"No matter how many laws we pass, no matter how much adults do, YOU are going to be the ones who put a stop to it -- long before adults know about it," he said.
