Shortland Street Stars Say No to Bullies

The Foundation for Youth Development (FYD) kicks off its anti-bullying campaign today urging New Zealanders to support the 45,000 Kiwi kids bullied in schools each week.

Shortland Street stars Ria Vandervis, (who plays Dr. Harper Whitley), and Kerry-Lee Dewing, (who plays Nurse Kylie Brown) have joined FYD’s anti-bullying crusade to inspire and encourage Kiwi kids to seek help if they are being bullied.

Vandervis and Dewing have both experienced bullying first-hand as young teenagers and understand the emotional journey many New Zealand kids are experiencing as victims.

“I remember being bullied and feeling incredibly isolated and lonely,” says Shortland Street actress, Ria Vandervis.

“I didn’t want to go home and tell my parents about it because it made me feel ashamed and worthless,” she adds.

Vandervis is not alone. A staggering 45,000 Kiwi kids report they are bullied in New Zealand schools each week with almost 75,000 being afraid that someone at school will hurt them.

“Bullying is a real problem in our schools,” says FYD chief executive, Marion Short.

“We are delighted that Ria and Kerry-Lee have come on board to help us inspire Kiwi kids to speak up and ask for help.”

“We want to help build a more confident and successful New Zealand, encouraging our young Kiwis to shine bright and be the best they can be!” adds Short.

“By helping kids learn how to build positive relationships, make friends and learn strategies to better manage life’s challenges, we have a real chance of reducing bullying. The more awareness we raise with our anti-bullying campaign, the more we are able to help young people in need.”

Donations raised from the anti-bullying campaign will be used to support FYD’s school based programmes that teach positive attitudes and behaviours which nurture caring relationships.

Vandervis and Dewing will join All Black Project K graduate Dominic Bird who has supported FYD for the past 2 years as an ambassador.

“It would be great to help change the attitude and tolerance we have towards bullying in schools,” says Shortland Street actress, Kerry-Lee Dewing.

“If we are able to create an environment where we can celebrate one another, be positive and have a loving, caring environment, we are on the right track.”

FYD is encouraging all New Zealanders to get behind the anti-bullying campaign to support Kiwi kid’s facing bullying by texting ‘NO’ to 2448 and make a $3 donation. Alternatively, supporters can donate $20 a month at www.fyd.org.nz/bullying

The anti-bullying campaign will run from June 1 – 30th. For more information visit FYD’s website www.fyd.co.nz, or check out FYD on Facebook.

FYD turns 20 this year, and is on track to help almost 20,000 young New Zealanders with their proven programmes - Kiwi Can, Stars, Career Navigator, Project K, and MYND. All FYD programmes build on young people’s talents through physical and mental challenges; developing core life skills and helping them achieve their potential in order to succeed in life.

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