In support of National Bullying Prevention Month in October, Disney ABC Television Group and ESPN are working together to encourage viewers to “choose kindness” in an effort to help end bullying.
One out of every four students reports being bullied during the school year, according to a 2015 report by the National Center for Educational Statistics. In response, a public-service announcement airing throughout October on ABC, ESPNU, Longhorn Network, SEC Network will spread the message that together we can choose kindness and end bullying. Featured talent include Tisha Campbell Martin, Erica Christensen, Dave Foley, Ken Jeong, Priyanka Chopra, Kelly McCreary, Randall Park, Alfonso Ribeiro, Caterina Scorsone, Jeremy Sisto, Jonathan Slavin, Ming-Na Wen, Ed Westwick and Constance Wu from ABC; and Cari Champion, Antonietta “Toni” Collins, Will Reeve and Stephen A. Smith from ESPN.
Additionally, ESPN and Disney ABC Television Group are sponsoring the “Choose Kindness” campaign with DoSomething.org, the largest organization for young people and social change that will encourage young people to spread positivity. The campaign will encourage DoSomething.org members to post inspirational quotes from famous athletes and writers in locker rooms, gyms and libraries. The quotes will be about the importance of kindness, perseverance and overcoming adversity. The goal is to help young people express compassion and choose kindness in troubling situations, all while helping to build a culture of positivity in their schools. Learn more at DoSomething.org/ChooseKindness.
ESPN also will provide $25,000 grants to Stomp Out Bullying, GLAAD and GLSEN to support anti-bullying initiatives.
To view the PSA and for more information, visit ABC.com/BeInspired or ESPN.com/Citizenship. To support the Choose Kindness campaign, include the following hashtags in your social media posts throughout the month of October: #ChooseKindness and #BeInspired.