‘No to Bullying, No to Hazing’ awareness campaign launched

MANILA, Philippines - Studies show that 45% of young people experience bullying even before the age of 18. Thirty percent of those young people have self-harmed and 10% resorted to suicide. Since year 2000 there are 22 reported deaths caused by hazing. With the advent of these alarming incidents, iAcademy teams up with Anti-Bullying Philippines to eradicate school related violence and make schools bullyproof and a safe learning environment again.

iAcademy and Anti-Bullying Philippines launched an awareness and fundraising activity recently called, “Smash For A Cause.” Proceeds were given to organizations leading advocacy campaigns and activities to eradicate school related violence.

“The activity allowed us to release our emotions and express indignations against the continuing culture of fear and violence brought about by bullying and hazing,” says Justine Lawrence Gonzales, president, iAcademy Student Council.

“Bullying is a tricky problem, most bullies maintain that they're not bullying, the bullied are quiet about it, and some parents say that it's something that kids need to “go through.” Violence, shaming, cruelty? Those aren't requirements for life. They are facts of life yes, but in schools and other places where we can prevent and control it, it should never be a given,” says Carlos Castano, president, Anti-Bullying Philippines.

He adds, “Anti-Bullying Philippines was put up to be two things: a safe haven for victims and a resource for leaders, educators, and even bullies. What makes us different is that even bullies are safe with us. Remember, someone is bullying the bully somewhere else. Bullying is a reaction, a result of someone's lack of love, harsh words, and even neglect and it often leads to deeper violence, deeper hate. The only solution to bullying is an open conversation guided by love and kindness, this is what Anti-Bullying Philippines is all about. Partnering with schools, cities, and institutions, our goal is to BULLYPROOF the Philippines one place, one person, one heart at a time.”

 “At iAcademy, we value the safety and well-being of our students. We encourage our students to be different and we strive to promote the individual growth and social maturity of our students by making them realize that yielding to the pressures of trying to "fit in" is not the only way to be successful in life,” says Dr. Angel Espiritu III, dean of student affairs, iAcademy.