Prince William is taking a stand against bullying and wants others to do the same.
In a newly-released public service announcement for Stand Up to Bullying Day on July 5, the prince calls for action against bullying that can ultimately “affect any one of us.”
William said bullying “is often stupid and cruel and can take any form. And the reach of technology means it can feel unrelenting leaving the victim feeling attacked, powerless and isolated.”
The prince recorded the video at Kensington Palace as part of the Diana Award charity.
“Bullying is an issue which can affect any one of us, regardless of age, background, gender, sexuality, race, disability or religion,” he said.
“It is our collective responsibility to be alert, and to be ready to challenge the behavior we see around us,” he said. “We all have a role to play to ensure that we do not standby, but instead stand up, and put a stop to bullying.”
William, the Duke of Cambridge, has launched a strong crusade against cyberbullying, especially since becoming a father. William and Catherine are the parents of George, nearly 3, and Charlotte, 1.
“As Catherine and I started our family a few years ago, I was alarmed about the increasing reports of online bullying that were making headlines around the world,” he said at the Founders Forum in London in June. “From the girls developing eating disorders after being subjected to a campaign of abuse on social media, to the teenage boys who took their own lives following constant targeting—as a parent myself, I was appalled.”
Prince William added, “What we were seeing was that social media and messaging had transformed bullying from something that was not only the torment of the classroom and playground, but something that followed you home as well – to the one safe haven that children should have.”
William has credited his mother for his charitable nature, as does brother Prince Harry. Ahead of the Invictus Games earlier this year, Harry told People magazine his mother’s generous spirit resides within him.
“I enjoy what I do. But I don’t do things because I feel as though my mother would want me to do them,” Harry said. “I know I’ve got a lot of my mother in me. I am doing a lot of things that she would probably do.”
