The NSPCC and WWE have today announced a new “Call out Bullying” campaign, focused on helping young people understand why bullying is never acceptable and what to do if they experience or witness it.

The partnership will also help parents recognize the warning signs if their child is being bullied and help them speak to their children about bullying.

The campaign launched at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham, England, and saw three WWE Superstars urge 100 local school pupils to stand up to bullying at a Be a STAR bullying prevention rally.

SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch, WWE Superstar Naomi and NXT UK Superstar Trent Seven spoke to pupils aged 11 to 14 about the different types of bullying. They also discussed what to do if they are being bullied or see bullying happening and explored how emotions can affect how we act and treat others.

Be a STAR is WWE’s bullying prevention program, and today’s event marked the first time the NSPCC and WWE have co-hosted a rally as part of the “Call out Bullying” campaign.

Initially launching in the United States, the Be a STAR program has reached more than 500,000 children globally. It aims to develop children’s emotional intelligence to help them become happier, healthier and more compassionate. When children learn how to manage their emotions, their ability to manage conflict can increase and this can help to reduce the amount bullying occurs. 

Bullying can happen anywhere and to anyone. It can be emotional or physical and it can be in person or online. In 2016/17 the NSPCC supported service Childline held 24,571 counselling sessions with young people who had concerns about bullying and cyberbullying.

The NSPCC and WWE are urging any young people affected by bullying to speak to a trusted adult or contact the NSPCC-supported service Childline.

Adults are also encouraged to visit the Call out Bullying campaign page on the NSPCC website, where there is plenty of advice and support on what to do if you are concerned about a child. 

Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC said, “We are very excited by the fantastic opportunity to team up with WWE to call out a tough and tenacious opponent: bullying. At the NSPCC, we are acutely aware of the devastating impact that bullying can have, leading to children having low self-esteem, anxiety, and feeling powerless.

“It is vital that we do all we can to support children and their parents and we are thrilled to have teamed up with WWE, who have a global audience of millions, which includes many children and teenagers.”

Tracey Keenan, WWE Vice President and General Manager of UK & Ireland said, “WWE is thrilled to partner with the NSPCC to launch ‘Call Out Bullying,’ a bullying prevention initiative campaign focused on providing children and parents with the tools and resources they need to prevent bullying in their communities.

“The credibility and knowledge of the bullying prevention space provided by the NSPCC, combined with the reach and platform of our Superstars, will make a positive impact on the lives of thousands of children across the United Kingdom.”

The partnership launches as WWE kicks off its UK tour which runs from 3 November to 11 November, with live shows in Cardiff, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham, Brighton and London’s Wembley Arena. The public and WWE fans can support the partnership and the NSPCC’s work to keep more children safe by texting CALLOUT to 70007 to donate £3.*

*The NSPCC is registered with the Fundraising Regulator. Texts cost £3 plus standard network rate and 100% of donations will go to the NSPCC.