Supporting young people and their families.
Anti-bullying network Dolly’s Dream and Smiggle are working together in a new campaign, Choose Kindness, to remind kids to look out for their friends and classmates.
Smiggle is calling on its thousands of fans across the country to always choose kindness at school and at home, and to speak to a trusted adult if they see or experience anything that makes them think someone is being bullied.
Dolly’s Dream, which was started by her mother after her suicide in 2018, and Smiggle have created the Choose Kindness keyring to be sold to raise funds to support of young people and their families.
Kate Everett, Dolly’s mum and co-founder of Dolly’s Dream, said: “The hope is that sharing this message, at this time of year, reminds all children to look after their friends and classmates, to be kind and to speak even if their voice shakes.
“Our partnership with Smiggle is so helpful. With their thousands of fans around the country, Smiggle allow us to talk directly to Australian kids with this really important message."
Dr Charlotte Keating, a psychologist and advisory board member for Dolly’s Dream, said: “One in five young Australians report being socially excluded, threatened or abused online. Being able to turn to a parent or trusted adult is an important step in addressing bullying or abuse.
“With so many young people experiencing bullying and abuse, it’s vital that they can feel confident that their parents, and other trusted adults, will listen calmly, without judgement, and have the knowledge and tools to support them in addressing bullying.”
Proceeds from this year’s Choose Kindness campaign will help Dolly’s Dream support kids, their families and communities. Following a large surge in demand for its services in the past 12 months, Dolly’s Dream is expanding two of its most important programs: its workshops and Support Line.
Dolly’s Dream general manager Stephen Bendle said: “There are wait times of up to 12 months for some country kids to see a counsellor and that is just too long. We offer a free, ongoing counselling service for anyone who needs it which is now available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“The demand for Dolly’s Dream workshops on anti-bullying and cyber safety have also reached an all-time high. Delivered in schools, community groups and to parents, these workshops offer a way adults can support their young people in dealing with bullying issues. We are also funding many of these workshops in rural and regional areas where schools may not have funding available.”
