Press and Media

Ditch the Label

The Annual Bullying Survey 2013

For Immediate Release – 3^rd February 2013

The anti-bullying organisation, Ditch the Label are excited to announce the release of a highly anticipated report into bullying: the Annual Bullying Survey 2013. Based on the data of 1,843 British students and hundreds of case studies, the report identifies key bullying statistics and also provides a risk analysis for 52 demographic groups. Data shows how variables such as sexuality, disabilities, race, religion and household income can impact upon susceptibility to bullying; it can also be used to predict the behavioral and psychological impacts of bullying and how different demographics are likely to respond.

Over the course of 6 weeks, Ditch the Label worked in partnership with several colleges from across the UK, giving the organisation a unique opportunity to speak with thousands of 16-26 year olds about their experiences of bullying. As part of the research, Ditch the Label produced tailored insights and bullying strategies for some of the biggest colleges in Britain.

The 23-page report identifies shocking insights into one of the least researched areas in the world: bullying. Ditch the Label identified a wealth of alarming statistics, a small selection follows:

1. 7 in 10 young people found to experience bullying before their 18^th birthday.
2. 24% of victims self-harm, 25% have suicidal thoughts and 17% truant from school or college.
3. 60% of bullied students targeted for their appearance, 36% for their interests, 11% for their sexuality and 8% because of their social class.
4. 21% of victims are bullied or harassed online through social networking websites.
5. 22% of victims are bullied daily.
6. The majority (57%) of students are not happy with the bullying support available.

Ditch the Label now plan to distribute the report to every school and college within the UK along with Educational and Governmental agencies. Ditch the Label have outlined their own recommendations and are hoping that if implemented, could help reduce the harmful impact of bullying for thousands of young people across the UK.

About Ditch the Label
Launched by Liam Hackett, a 22 year old recent University graduate – Ditch the Label is a not-for-profit anti-bullying organisation working to help schools and colleges overcome bullying within the UK’s education system and also providing essential support to the victims of bullying and their friends and family.

“We do things differently at Ditch the Label – our brand and our message is all about empowering young people and about making them feel proud about who they truly are. We believe that everybody is unique, despite the kinds of ‘social labels’ they fall under. It doesn’t matter if you’re white, black, gay, straight, asexual, disabled, skinny, curvy, old, young, interested in sports, work in a salon or feel good in drag – we think you’re amazing.” Comments Liam Hackett, who was once a victim of bullying himself.

After graduating several months ago, Liam saw a huge potential in redeveloping Ditch the Label which was a project he first launched at the age of 16. Over the past few months alone, the campaign has grown exponentially and attracted support from thousands worldwide including some high profile celebrities. Liam currently manages Ditch the Label and his own digital marketing agency, Hackett and Tiger who provide marketing and branding services pro-bono.

Recent Quotes

1. Doctor Christian Jessen (Embarrassing Bodies): “I think that Ditch the Label is a great thing because it gives people a place to find likeminded people to talk to. I just wish it was around when I was growing up.”
2. Thelma Madine (My Big Fat Gypsy Weddings): “I think it’s absolutely brilliant what Ditch the Label are trying to do and achieve and I support it completely.”
3. Hannah Stodel (Paralympian): “The more I read, the more impressed I have been by Ditch the Label. I love the concept and I just wish that there was something like this when I was younger. Ditch the Label really highlights how ridiculous prejudice is and shows that it is time to just move on.”

More Information
Press@DitchtheLabel.org / 01273 311164

Download Report
Click here to download a free copy of the Annual Bullying Survey 2013.

December 2012: for Immediate Release

Ditch the Label: Official Fundraising Wristbands are Here

Based in Brighton, UK – Ditch the Label is a not-for-profit organisation working to bring the issue of equality to the forefront of public discussion.  According to their website:

Our message is clear: It doesn’t matter if you’re white, black, gay, straight, asexual, disabled, skinny, curvy, old, young, interested in sports, work in a salon or feel good in drag – we think you’re amazing. Things like the colour of your skin, your sexuality, appearance, interests or disability shouldn’t define you. We’re fighting against stereotypes and bullying. Join us.

Ditch the Label harness two main functions; the first is to promote the issue of social equality, counteracting hate and prejudice targeted towards different minority groups both through online and offline devices. Secondly, Ditch the Label work to support teens typically aged 15-21 to overcome issues of bullying and self-loathe through the use of their own dedicated online community and support networks set up offline.

Harnessing the power of social media and their large fan base, Ditch the Label have recently launched a new addition to their fundraising portfolio: Official Wristbands. There are 5 main styles available, each encapsulating different messages and elements from the Ditch the Label campaign and ethos. The wristbands were launched on Wednesday 5th December 2012 and hits to the website skyrocketed with hundreds of wristbands being ordered by eager fans and supporters from across the world.

The wristbands are not only an incredibly innovative way of fundraising but also act as an extension to the Ditch the Label marketing strategy; allowing supporters of the Ditch the Label message to spread word and to help express their own individuality and advocacy for equality.

Ditch the Label Wristbands

Wristbands are available now at www.DitchtheLabel.org/Store
Press@DitchtheLabel.org

Autumn 2012: for Immediate Release

Annual Bullying Survey 2013

What are the long lasting effects of schoolyard bullying? What is the ratio of young people being bullied to those that bully? What are the main causes of bullying and how can they be eradicated? Those are some of the questions posed by Ditch the Label to accompany their ambitious new project: the Annual Bullying Survey 2013.

Using a cross sample of students from across the UK, Ditch the Label – a not-for-profit organisation based in Brighton are looking to identify the demand for their core message of social equality. According to their website:

Our message is clear: It doesn’t matter if you’re white, black, gay, straight, asexual, disabled, skinny, curvy, old, young, interested in sports, work in a salon or feel good in drag – we think you’re amazing. Things like the colour of your skin, your sexuality, appearance, interests or disability shouldn’t define you. We’re fighting against stereotypes and bullying. Join us.

First launched in 2006, Ditch the Label have always been involved in the eradication of bullying and promotion of equality amongst young people worldwide. The organisation have recently burst onto the activism scene with a new website and exciting partnerships with celebrities, a Canadian photographer and other organisations seeking to benefit the 15-21 year old age bracket.

Ditch the Label’s online community DitchWorld provides a platform for peer-to-peer support, accumulating over 30,000 members with ambitious hopes to extend this free-of-charge service to a professional level of counselling backed by grants and public donations.

“The survey is an amazing opportunity for us to measure the prominence and effect that bullying has on people across the UK – identifying areas in which bullying is particularly common and highlighting measures that could and should be in place in order to significantly reduce bullying” comments Jon Cross, who is overseeing the research campaign.

Helping promote the campaign, Ditch the Label have had the invaluable support of celebrity figures such as Dr Christian Jessen from Embarrassing Bodies and the star of My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, Thelma Madine, who witnessed both verbal and physical bullying in her documentary Thelma’s Gypsy Girls. Thelma comments; ‘We are all different, god made us different, so you should stand up for who you are. As for being bullied, we should feel sorry for those who do the bullying as it is their issue, not ours’.

The survey is now live on the Ditch the Label website (Annual Ditch the Label Bullying Survey 2013) for participation for UK residents aged between 16-26. Data will be published by the organisation in December and will communicate a greater understanding about how ruthless the playground really is and the long-term health and social side effects associated with bullying.

Ditch the Label - http://www.ditchthelabel.org/

Press@DitchtheLabel.org

Autumn 2012: for Immediate Release

Ditch the Label: General Press Release

Based in Brighton, UK – Ditch the Label is a not-for-profit organisation working to bring the issue of equality to the forefront of public discussion.  According to their website:

Our message is clear: It doesn’t matter if you’re white, black, gay, straight, asexual, disabled, skinny, curvy, old, young, interested in sports, work in a salon or feel good in drag – we think you’re amazing. Things like the colour of your skin, your sexuality, appearance, interests or disability shouldn’t define you. We’re fighting against stereotypes and bullying. Join us.

Ditch the Label harness two main functions; the first is to promote the issue of social equality, counteracting hate and prejudice targeted towards different minority groups both through online and offline devices. Secondly, Ditch the Label work to support teens typically aged 15-21 to overcome issues of bullying and self-loathe through the use of their own dedicated online community and support networks set up offline. Currently, the online community dubbed ‘DitchWorld’ has over 30,000 members and acts as a hub for peer-to-peer support. Anyone is free to join and gain advice and support on their own unique issues.

Founder and Managing Director, Liam Hackett comments:

“I found it incredibly difficult growing up against a background of bullying and discrimination because of my sexuality and remember feeling so alone. I, like many others craved a community where I could speak with other like minded people to gain advice and support for my situation so that I didn’t feel so alone. Allas, Ditch the Label was born and we continue to touch the hearts of thousands worldwide each month.”

Liam Hackett first set up Ditch the Label at the age of 16 after encountering school yard bullying himself throughout high school. He has recently graduated from a red brick British University and now ploughs his energy into Ditch the Label and his other business venture, Hackett & Tiger.

Since relaunching in July 2012, the cause now has a new website, brand and vision for the future. Harnessing upon the power of social media and their ever growing list of celebrity ambassadors the future is bright for this worthy and exciting cause.

Ditch the Label - http://www.ditchthelabel.org/

Press@DitchtheLabel.org