Tomorrow, Friday 16 March, will be the eighth National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence otherwise known as NDA. Today, The Project’s host Waleed Aly informed his audience he would be giving up his seat during his ‘Something We Should Talk About’ segment for celebrities, athletes and social media influencers “kids actually want to hear from” to share an important and powerful message against cyber-bullying.
Today’s segment was in memory of Amy ‘Dolly’ Everett who died by suicide in January this year after “constant” bullying and harassment from students at her school.
The segment was written by Waleed and managing editor, Tom Whitty to continue the message of, “Speak, even if your voice shakes”, words left behind by Dolly.
The segment cast included celebrities like Troye Sivan, Liam Payne, Samantha Jade and Margot Robbie as well as Instagram influencers Tammy Hembrow, Steph Claire Smith and Kayla Itsines. Athletes Johnathan Thurston and Patrick Dangerfield also shared their message.
Combined, these stars have more than 80 million followers on social media, a platform they are using to talk to Australians about bullying.
“You’re not alone, bullying affects many people. In the last year, 1 in 4, 14 to 25-year-olds were bullied. While half of that bullying happened at school, a quarter happened in the workplace and another quarter happened online. For many, there is no escaping it. When people get bullied, most of them stay quiet, they feel so alone that they feel like they can’t tell anyone. Research shows people stay quiet because of stigma.
They feel embarrassed or afraid, they don’t want to appear weak or they feel like their problem isn’t serious enough to seek help. But all bullying has the potential to be really serious. While not all bullying ends in suicide, suicide is the leading cause of death for young Australians. In the last decade, new suicide rates have been trending upwards and students who are being bullied are nine times more likely to attempt or at least consider taking their own lives. And when they do this is what it looks like.”
The segment then shifts to footage of Dolly’s father, Tick Everett who made an emotional tribute speech to his daughter. A “girl who loved her animals and cared so deeply for other people that are less fortunate than her.”
You can watch the powerful video below.
Speak, even if your voice shakes.
Written by Waleed Aly and Tom Whitty (@twhittyer) #TheProjectTV pic.twitter.com/tiCtFe6FNL
— The Project (@theprojecttv) March 15, 2018
The Everett family have let The Project know they are working on a trust named ‘Dolly’s Dream’ that will raise awareness for anxiety, depression and youth suicide. Though they are not ready to speak about the trust yet, it is a show of their determination to end youth suicide in Australia and around the world.
The family also ask for everyone to help turn Facebook into a sea of blue for Dolly tomorrow, blue was her favourite colour. You can do this by wearing a blue ribbon or clothing to send the message that Australia will no longer tolerate bullying in any form.
Speak, even if your voice shakes.
If you are seeking support and or information about suicide prevention, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or on their website. You can also contact Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or on their website.
