The Hollyoaks Avatars
The cast of Hollyoaks are the latest celebrities to support the online global march for children's rights.
Today, Beatbullying, the UK's leading anti-bullying charity will guide over one million people from all corners of the globe in The Big March 2012.
The world's first global virtual march for children's rights will issue a call to the United Nations to protect your people from all forms of bullying and child-on-child violence.
With one in ten parents around the world confirming their child has been cyberbullied Beatbullying is calling for bullying to be added to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
Well-known names such as Stephen Fry, Aston Merrygold, Pixie Lott, Alesha Dixon, Kathryn Jenkins, the full cast of Channel 4’s Hollyoaks and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, will march today. Along with supporters across the world, including hundreds and thousands of teachers, parents and students of all ages, schools and Universities including Plymouth, De Montfort and University College London. In addition thousands of organisations have joined Beatbullying’s fight for children’s rights - 20 per cent are UK-based while 80 per cent are global.
Emma-Jane Cross, CEO of Beatbullying, said: “This is people power at its best and we’re thankful to everyone who believes in standing up to bullying by joining with us on this decisive day.
“There is currently no reference to bullying or child-on-child violence in the UNCRC but the hundreds and thousands who have joined the March prove that bullying has a detrimental impact on so many young lives affecting self esteem, physical and mental health and education. Every child deserves to life a happy and healthy life.
“The Big March 2012 gives the global community the chance to sign up and show their support by asking the United Nations to enshrine a child’s right to live free from bullying, harassment and abuse within the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
“By approaching the UN, Beatbullying is taking its fight against bullying a step further – approaching the highest powers in the world! We have a child protection crisis on our hands, and today we will march together as global citizens, standing up and taking action.”
The Big March 2012, builds on the success of 2010’s award-winning campaign that saw parents, teachers, young people, celebrities and MPs sign up to support the UK campaign. Beatbullying delivered a petition to a virtual 10 Downing Street, asking for the Government to protect children and young people from all forms of bullying and harassment. It resulted in an offline deputation with Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, where Beatbullying delivered its recommendations.