The Cybersmile Foundation is an international non-profit organisation providing support for victims of cyberbullying and online hate campaigns. The Cybersmile Foundation delivers advice, education and support to those affected and their families whilst promoting positive and productive use of the internet.
History
The Cybersmile Foundation was the first dedicated cyberbullying charity in the UK. The charity was founded by Scott Freeman and Daniel Raisbeck in 2010 in order to provide a central resource to tackle the issue of cyberbullying, and has since expanded to provide education and support worldwide. The Cybersmile Foundation became a registered charity in 2012. On 19 June 2014 The Cybersmile Foundation officially launched in the U.S. opening their Palo Alto branch. American girl group Fifth Harmony were announced as the official ambassadors on May 30, 2015.
The Cybersmile Foundation launched the first international Stop Cyberbullying Day on June 21, 2013 as a day of global positivity online. The day takes place annually on the third Friday in June.
Research
To coincide with Stop Cyberbullying Day 2015, Cybersmile released original research carried out in partnership with Sugarscape, examining current teen attitudes towards online bullying and social media. The report revealed that 55% had been cyberbullied while 35% admitted to having suffered up to five separate incidents of online abuse.
Partnerships
Intel
launched their 'Diversity in Technology' initiative in 2015, working with a variety of partners, including The Cybersmile Foundation. The company have pledged $300 million over the next several years for the campaign, which focuses on a variety of different strands; Cybersmile are featured as part of the plan to increase inclusivity in the gaming industry and provide support for female gamers. On September 24, 2015 The Cybersmile Foundation launched their 'Gaming Support Centre' in partnership with Intel to "provide practical, emotional and legal support" to victims of abuse when gaming online.
''Sugarscape''
In May 2014, The Cybersmile Foundation became media partners with online teen magazine Sugarscape, providing content for their young audience focused on online safety and promoting positivity on the internet.
Cybersmile are official partners with Twitter in promoting digital citizenship and to better educate users about being safe online". As part of the partnership, Cybersmile provide the Twitter-only help channel , which is listed as a Twitter Trusted Resource.
Foundation supported Cybersmile within their remit to help organisations in the Human Rights category. With their support and funding, Cybersmile have been able to create over 80 downloadable digital programs to educate people about cyberbulliying and online safety worldwide.
''Wicked''
In June 2015, The Cybersmile Foundation were announced as partners in the Wicked for Good program, which fundraises for various causes. The partnership is said to be backed up by strong anti-bullying themes in the stage production and has been supported by the cast in the theatre.
''High School Story''
The Cybersmile Foundation partnered with Pixelberry Studios as part of their game, High School Story. The game, in which players can create and run their own high school, featured collaborative storylines on the theme of cyberbullying and helped Cybersmile to reach 4 million young people. Pixelberry Studios pledged to raise $100,000 for Cybersmile in 2014 by selling special in-game items and in the end raised over $350,000.
Gaming Initiatives
In March 2015, Cybersmile announced their plans to tackle "gender inequality and digital abuse within the gaming industry" as part of the Intel Diversity in Technology partnership. As part of this announcement, five long-term goals were established:
Triple the number of women and young girls Cybersmile help to deal with digital abuse and cyberbullying with programs focused on providing support, education and legal advice.
Provide guidance and advice for women and young girls experiencing problems, particularly with gaming platforms.
Develop a gaming specific section on their website for guidance and information relating to the gaming and tech industry.
Provide educational resources to give young girls and women the knowledge and confidence to process risks effectively and apply practical coping strategies to digital abuse and cyberbullying.
Empowering women and young girls through direct engagement using strategic viral campaigning, digital media channels and concentrating on installing and re-installing digital confidence and self worth. User generated activities and campaigns with user based actions and participation.
In September 2015, Cybersmile launched their Gaming Support Centre, featuring video game specific help and support resources as well as dedicated blog and news feeds from industry professionals.
In December 2012, the Crown Prosecution Service issued guidelines on how cases of cyberbullying will be assessed under the current legislation. The Cybersmile Foundation was consulted as part of the development of these guidelines.
