UNICEF and the Foundation Telekom for Macedonia announce the start of the youth campaign for a safer internet space

Skopje, 19 June 2023: To mark International Day for Countering Hate Speech, UNICEF and Telekom Foundation for Macedonia launched a new social media campaign against cyberbullying and online hate speech that was co-created with children and young people individuals.

Under the slogan “Bullying Bye Bye” the campaign includes over twenty social media videos. Some including messages such as “Words carry weight so choose them carefully” to shed light on the harmful effects of cyberbullying. Others include messages calling on young people themselves to not be bystanders and offer support if they witness cyberbullying.

“All over the world, cyberbullying is an everyday reality of children and young people. Repeated hurtful behaviours aimed at scaring, angering, or shaming those who are targeted impacts their overall emotional well-being and mental health,” said Patrizia DiGiovanni, UNICEF Representative. "I am proud to see how young people themselves have come together to speak up and use their creativity to promote being respectful and kind to their peers and to defend the victims."

„Our goal is to give young people a voice to fight online hate speech. To give them tools and knowledge, to encourage them to be loud and brave. However, the final product, i.e. the campaign in which they are creators, directors and actors, is entirely the fruit of their labour. Their passion and dedication is clearly evident in the creative solutions. We are proud of their achievement and believe that we will positively influence many other young people.,“ said Lea Lipsha, the Director of Telekom Foundation for Macedonia.

The campaign was developed together with some thirty children and young people who worked tirelessly during UNICEF and Foundation Telekom for Macedonia campaign co-creation workshops.

The co-created campaign was developed as part of a long-term partnership between UNICEF and the Telecom Foundation for Macedonia, which aims to engage children and young people in tackling some of the biggest challenges facing their generation.

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