Not all heroes have to be aliens with a list of super powers. Some tackle everyday problems such as the reality of bullying. The Adventures of Rubberkid is a free Adobe Flash game looking to raise awareness about how terrible bullying can be. Rubberkid is a regular kid who was tired of being bullied. To stand up to the bullies, Rubberkid created a suit of rubber bands to bounce the insults they hurl right back at them.

The goal of the game is to show the player the consequences of bullying. The levels can be selected in any order and each focuses on helping a particular child (or children). Once the player helps those in need, they are shown the effects bullying can have.  The results show what would have happened to the child had the bullies continued, but they also give the player hope by showing what each accomplishes in their life since you stood up for them.

The game is great tool for children and adults of all ages and has the following features:

• Nine levels of gameplay, featuring three different game types.
• Players can print out a certificate pledge as reminder to not bully others, but to also speak up when others are bullied. The certificate will even have the player’s name on it.
• Those interested can pay what they want for Rubberkid, including nothing at all. This allows schools and libraries easy access to this fun and educational program.
• Story segments for each character allow the player to see the effects of bullying first-hand. Seeing what each character accomplishes will encourage the player to speak up when they or someone else is being bullied.
• Vivid, colorful graphics and characters from The Critterverse.

In order to extend the reach of the game as far as possible, The Adventures of Rubberkid current has an active Kickstarter campaign.  With the funding, the game will be translated into Spanish and French, feature cyber bullying content, be supplemented with additional materials such as a children’s book or a comic book and more. The Adventures of Rubberkid Kickstarter can be found here.

Help support this educational game and earn some perks as well.

The game is currently a work in progress, but anyone is able to access an incomplete build to sample the game. The Adventures of Rubberkid demo can be accessed at here.

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New York, U.S.A. – Random House Children’s Books launches Choose Kind, a campaign to encourage students, educators, families, and readers of all ages to combat the nationwide rise in bullying with every day acts of kindness, it was announced by Chip Gibson, President and Publisher. The initiative was inspired by “Wonder”, the debut novel by R. J. Palacio, which tells the story of Auggie, a fifth grader with a facial deformity who attends a mainstream school for the first time.

“Wonder has inspired us, and captured our hearts entirely,” said Gibson. “The outpouring of enthusiasm from book lovers and educators moved us to share the poignant message of this novel with a wider audience. I am proud to give them, and anyone around the world, the opportunity to discover the story and to pledge with us to Choose Kind.”

ChooseKind.tumblr.com is the online home of the campaign, designed as a next step for the ardent supporters of the novel who have been asking for additional resources to use in sharing “Wonder” and its message with families, schools, and communities across the country. Each section of the site offers an interactive user experience.

• Share: Fans can contribute a post, ranging from personal experiences of being bullied to moments where they wished they had stood up for someone else.
• Sign the Pledge: Pledge to Choose Kind in an effort to end bullying, and print a certificate to display.
• The Book: Watch the trailer for “Wonder”, read reviews, and find links to the novel’s social media channels.
• The Author: Read about R. J. Palacio, and how to connect with her on Twitter and Tumblr.
• Resources: A Digital Toolkit of stickers and Web badges, as well as links to other anti-bullying efforts such as the It Gets Better project and the National Education Association’s Bully Free: It Starts with Me.

Additionally, the campaign will have a global footprint with full support from Random House UK, which will publish “Wonder” for adult readers on June 6, 2012, following its release as a children’s novel in March.

“Celebrating those who have made the choice to be kind—not always an easy thing to do when you’re a kid!—is the best way to raise awareness to this very simple fact: kindness is a virtue whose ripple effects can literally change the world,” says “Wonder” author R. J. Palacio. “One child at a time, one person at a time, there’s no greater antidote to bullying than the steadfast refusal of children, teachers, and parents to accept a culture where bullying is tolerated.”

A word-of-mouth sensation from the start, with its Twitter hashtag, #thewonderofwonder, the book has also been the topic of countless blog posts from parents, teachers, and librarians praising its ability to relay a universal message from the story of one unique boy. Clara Beatty, a nine-year-old girl with Treacher-Collins Syndrome, was already reading “Wonder” when the Associated Press spoke with her and her family for a recent feature. Her parents Janet and Eric were impressed with Palacio’s skill in realistically portraying Auggie’s experience, noting “As a family with a child of facial difference, ‘Wonder’ gives an amazingly accurate view of our world from a number of perspectives. We are hopeful that this story raises awareness of how being kind can be powerful.”

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On April 9, The Weinstein Company (TWC) announced that Justin Bieber continues to lend his support to the fight against bullying with use of his song “Born To Be Somebody” in BULLY’s newest TV spot.

The spot premiered on Fandango Monday, April 9, just days before the film is released wide with a PG-13 rating in cities all over the country, and will begin airing on TV as well: http://bit.ly/IbqeJE

“My fans are always up for supporting a great cause. It’s one of the things I’m most proud of as an entertainer,” said Bieber. “I hope they see BULLY with their friends and help start the conversation so we can end bullying.”

“We’re honored that Justin has decided to support this film and the movement that surrounds it,” said TWC President of Marketing Stephen Bruno.

Bieber joins a long list of celebrities who have graciously supported the film’s mission and was one of the dozens of stars who helped #BullyMovie trend on Twitter recently raising further awareness as the film approached its release in theaters.

Other celebrities have stepped out in their own ways to help get the word out including: Ellen DeGeneres featuring the families from the film on her show; Meryl Streep and attorneys David Boies and Ted Olson hosting an NYC screening; Victoria Justice, Giuliana Rancic and Joel McHale hosting the LA premiere; Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa hosting an NYC screening;Anderson Cooper hosting a town hall special on CNN to discuss bullying with Dr. Phil, Kelly Ripa and BULLY director Lee Hirsch; Tommy Hilfiger designing t-shirts; and many other supporters shooting PSAs.

Companies including Bing and Twitter have partnered to help in the quest to reach as many parents, teachers and children as possible. And, in a move that inspired and rallied hundreds of thousands of supporters, Michigan high school student Katy Butler garnered more than half a million signatures on her petition to the MPAA on Change.org to lower BULLY’s R rating, which subsequently happened last week.

Efforts to pass the Safe Schools Improvement Act are also in the works after TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein’s recent meeting with Senator Bob Casey. This bill will amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to address and take action to prevent bullying and harassment of students.

BULLY leads all non-fiction films so far for 2012 with its strong opening weekend attendance.

Image Courtesy of  Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

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On February 29 at Harvard University, Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta, officially unveiled Born This Way Foundation (BTWF), a new non-profit charitable organization, before a crowd of policy makers, non-profit organizations, foundation leaders, students and youth at the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Ask with Forum.

The day opened with Oprah interviewing Lady Gaga about her commitment to empowering youth before a packed audience at Sanders Theatre. Lady Gaga then took the stand in a mock trial to testify before a panel of expert “judges” about what she hopes to accomplish with BTWF. Panelists included Deepak Chopra, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, sister of Jamey Rodemeyer Alyssa Rodemeyer, Harvard Law Professor Charles Ogletree, Psychologist Susan M. Swearer and E! News correspondent and LGBT parent and spouse David Burtka.

“The culture of love is not going to change overnight but youth are the answer to creating a braver, kinder world,” said Lady Gaga. “This might be one of the best days of my life.” BTWF will address issues like self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, mentoring and career development through research, education and advocacy.

BTWF will create an environment that allows youth to safely express their individuality and one that provides them with the skills needed to encourage self-expression and promote civic engagement, and the resources and opportunities needed to implement solutions whether it be “online, on-the-road, or down the street.” With a focus on digital mobilization to create positive change, BTWF will lead youth into a braver new society where each individual is accepted and loved as the person they were born to be.

The Born This Way Foundation also announced today that Lady Gaga has made a $1.2 million personal contribution to BTWF, dedicating $200,000 to cover the foundation’s overhead costs. Barneys New York has raised more than $750,000 for the foundation through product sales from Gaga’s 2011 Holiday Workshop, and has donated an additional $100,000.

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is also committing $1 million in support, with $500,000 going to the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard to lead research efforts, and the remaining $500,000 directly allocated to BTWF to support online and on-the-road efforts to engage young people in civic life and deter bullying.

“Like everything my daughter has done, this is a grassroots initiative asking for the response of the community to help build this movement and shape it,” said Cynthia Germanotta. “Therefore a safe and trusted online community will allow users to share stories about themselves and their lives. Supporters can draw courage from the words of others as they explore Born This Way Foundation’s online community.”

The John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The California Endowment and Harvard’s Berkman Center for Internet & Society are partnering with BTWF to explore the best ways to reach youth and create a new culture of kindness, bravery, acceptance and empowerment.

“MacArthur’s partnership with the Born This Way Foundation will apply what we have learned about the power and potential of digital media to reach and engage millions of young people,” said Connie Yowell, MacArthur’s Director of Education. “In classrooms and communities, online and even on-the-road, this effort will enable teachers, parents, students, and communities each do their part to promote positive civic and online participation.”

To engage youth on-the-road, the Born Brave Bus, with design assistance provided by the innovative youth from YOUmedia’s teen library space, will travel the country to serve as a place where kids can go to feel connected and learn about civic engagement opportunities. The bus, along with onsite mentors, will also accompany Lady Gaga’s next North American concert tour, providing additional resources and a safe space to convene.

“A thorough review of decades of academic research has inspired this strategy and over the next several months, we will be rolling out programs based on that data,” said Dr. David Washington, Sr. Advisor to Lady Gaga & BTWF for Philanthropy & Policy. “BTWF has brought together renowned researchers, practitioners and youth organizations and is committed to leveraging this brain trust in order to make a significant difference.”

Visit www.bornthiswayfoundation.org and join the youth-powered movement to build a braver, kinder world.

Image Courtesy of  http://www.flickr.com/photos/10363713@N08/

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Nancy Silberkleit, the seasoned anti-bullying and literacy advocate, is proud to announce the Strides To Stop Bullying Essay Event, a new anti-bullying initiative for 2012. This inspirational event, open to students across the country, encourages youth to share their true stories and insight to raise awareness and stop the harm that bullying can do.

Led by a panel including Former New York Governor David Paterson, Stan Davis of stopbullyingnow.com and Nancy Silberkleit, the contest will raise funds for the International Bullying Prevention Association. Selected youth will also have their story serve as the inspiration for a forthcoming educational, not-for-profit comic book written by Nancy Silberkleit. Selected essays may also be published anonymously in other ways.

Nancy Silberkleit, co-CEO of Archie Comics, is using her educational training and experience to inspire self-confidence and strength in children of all ages. The Strides To Stop Bullying Essay Event was conceived by Silberkleit as a way to create an inspired community while also furthering her philanthropic reach.

She is currently working on a series of educational comic book focusing on children’s issues such as bullying. She aims to share her words of strength and inspiration with today’s youth. She advises, “Never let anyone define who you are. You know who you are.”

The Strides To Stop Bullying Essay Event, open to all students across the country ages 8-18, will be open for submissions February 1st- May 1st. To enter, children must write a 250-word true essay on the topic of bullying. They may send their own true story about what made things better when they were bullied, or how they supported someone else who was bullied.

These essays will be used as the inspiration for one of Nancy Silberkleit’s upcoming educational comics. For the first 200 essays sent in, Nancy Silberkleit will donate $5 per essay to the International Bullying Prevention Association.

“Creating a school environment free of harassment and discrimination has been a long term goal of mine,” says Governor Paterson. “I’m proud to further align myself with causes such as this contest that encourage our youth to speak out and unite against bullying.”

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Sheniz Erkan (Left), an Australian schoolgirl from Melbourne, decided to take her own life, a week before her 15^th birthday after being bullied at school and on social networking sites. It has been reported that more than 14,000 people have already paid tribute to the late Cairnlea Soccer player, and several memorial videos have been uploaded on YouTube in her honor.

Her death shocked many. According to The Canberra Times, “Twenty-five per cent of all young people experience a mental health issue in any given year. Responses to cyber-bullying should focus on building resilience, protecting mental health and strengthening peer support networks.” Sheniz’s elder brother, Aykut Erkan, believes that his sister has been bullied for a while; he told Herald Sun that,

I think it was going on a long time. In her mind, in leaving us she might have thought she was taking the problem away from everyone. She never wanted to let anyone down and she never wanted to tell anyone about it because she didn’t want anyone to worry. She was so full of life, a real bundle of joy. No one remembers her in a bad way.

Aziz Behich, the Melbourne Heart defender, dedicated his match to her. The Heart players wore black armbands and observed a minute’s silence in her honor. Behich is a close family friend of Sheniz and was among the mourners at her Friday funeral. The defender told Sunday Herald Sun that, “She was a very good player with Cairnlea Soccer Club and a great Heart fan as well – she was at most of our home games.

We were very close family friends. Our parents have known each other for a long time and I want to dedicate the game to Sheniz and hopefully we can win.”

Even after Sheniz Erkan’s passing, people still continued to harass her. News sources reported that a group of haters have hacked into Sheniz’s Facebook account and posted disturbing messages on her Facebook tribute page of 27,000 fans. Her brother said, ”it is even more hurtful that after her death, she is still being bullied from beyond the grave.”

The Telegraph said, Sheniz called her best friend, Renay Sumercan, a few minutes before committing suicide and told her that she loved her dearly. Renay later revealed Sheniz’s last words and encouraged victims of bullying to speak up and ask for help when they still can.

Sheniz Erkan was laid to rest last Friday, family and friends prayed for her at the Sunshine Mosque, where Iman Esat Yapici started the funeral service in a traditional Islamic manner. In his sermon, he urged the mourners to forgive those who were indirectly involved in Sheniz’s death.

Image Courtesy of   https://www.facebook.com/pages/RIP-Sheniz-Erkan/337185602977594

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Cox is launching a multi-faceted anti-bullying public service campaign in response to the growing problem of youth bullying in Virginia. This program will reach parents and children, while providing tools needed to successfully cope with bullying. This effort is in coordination with the premiere of Cox Channel 11′s “Plugged-In: Breaking the Bully Culture” special.

The program will premiere on Sunday, November 20, at 8 p.m. Also, radio personalities from several radio stations in the Hampton Roads market are partnering with Cox to share important information on bullying. Nick Taylor and Tricia Harris Friddell from Z104; Chuck Doudand Mary Kathryn Wood from The Point, Teresa Baker from R&B-FM; and Jenna Kehoe from 2WD will appear in the television advertisements intended to raise awareness of the problem of bullying.

Also, free informational resource cards and “Take Charge! Stop the Bullying” wristbands will be available at all Cox Solutions Stores for kids and parents during this campaign. These materials address the warning signs of youth bullying and offer advice for kids on how to better deal with bullying situations and behaviors.

Gary McCollum, SVP & General Manager of Cox Communications said, “The statistics which show how many of our kids are being bullied, are alarming. Our goal is to bring more general awareness to this important issue, and to arm both children and parents with resources to face and overcome it.”

Research from the National Center for Bullying Prevention, the Virginia Department of Health, and the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, was used to develop the materials for this public service effort. The following are statistics which are most prominent in the findings:

• One in every four kids is bullied frequently
• Only twenty-five to fifty percent of those children report the bullying
• This is a growing problem and quickly becoming an epidemic in this country.

McCollum adds, “Cox Communications is committed to supporting youth and education, and we are proud to launch this state-wide campaign.”

“Plugged In: Breaking the Bully Culture” Special on Cox 11

Cox Channel 11 will air another episode of its award-winning show “Plugged In: Breaking the Bully Culture” on Sunday. This special will give viewers a closer look at the impact of bullying behaviors on young people.

The show is hosted by Z104 morning radio personality, Nick Taylor, who speaks with students from Crittenden and Passage Middle Schools about the bullying behaviors they face everyday. Experts throughout Virginia who specialize in the advocacy for bullying prevention also join the discussion.

• Dr. Catherine Moffett , Associate Professor, Counselor Education, VCU
• Dr. Tawyna Pettiford-Wates , Founder & Director, The Conciliation Project
• Donzell Lewis , The Conciliation Project
• Janelle Spitz, Principal, Passage Middle School
• Patrice Lambusta , Library Media Specialist, Passage Middle School
• Tanya Graham , Teacher, Crittenden Middle School
• Nicholas Diggs , Teacher, Crittenden Middle School
• Deborah Christian , Certified Trainer, The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program

Participating in this production is a panel of bullying prevention experts from across the state including advisors from Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech, the Virginia Departments of Health and Education, and the National Center for the Prevention of Bullying.

Students from Passage Middle School and Crittenden Middle school were part of the interactive audience of the ‘Plugged In’ special hosted by Z104′s Nick Taylor. Tips and information sharing for subscribers will also occur regularly on the Cox Facebook and Twitter pages during the campaign.

There will be additional airings of this show throughout December and January on Cox 11 Hampton Roads, Cox 9 Roanoke, and the program will be available On Demand channel 2069.

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Rapper 50 Cent,  real name Curtis Jackson is certainly a jack of all trades.  The mogul a jack of all tradesjack of all trades jack of all trades who became famous for singing about violence and drugs, well-known for his song, “In the Club” jack of all tradeswill be picking up his pen and paper and writing. This time he will be targeting teenagers by writing about bullying and attempting to prevent bullying in schools in his new book, “Playground.”

According to his publisher the book will make its debut in stores in January.

“I had a strong desire to write Playground because I wanted to explore how a kid becomes a bully,” the rapper said about the proposed book. “I drew on events from my own childhood and adolescence, but was excited to see the story take on its own life. This book would have been very helpful for me growing up and now that I have a teenage son, it is my goal that this will have a positive influence on all teenagers.”

The book will tell the tale about what will happen to a 13-year-old bully who has to face the consequences of his actions, RollingStone reports.

50 Cent is already familiar with the world of books; he published a memoir titled, From Pieces to Weight, in 2005 about his crack dealing days and co-wrote a self-help book called, The 50th Law, in 2008 with established writer, Robert Greene. Playground will be 50 Cent’s debut as a novelist.

Kidshealth.org reports, thousands of teens every day wake up afraid to go to school. Bullying is a problem that affects millions of students, and it has everyone worried, not just the kids on its receiving end,” Bullying has always been a problem and today with the advancement of technology it provides bullies’ more options to bully. “Bullying is when a person is picked on over and over again by an individual or group with more power, either in terms of physical strength or social standing.” 50 Cent’s book couldn’t come at a better time.

50 Cent was born on July 6, 1976 in Queens, New York and has had 5 albums
Get Rich Or Die Tryin, Bulletproof, The Massacre, Curtis, and Before I self Destruct.

50 Cent toped Forbes’ List as one of the richest rappers in 2008.

Image Courtsey of  http://www.flickr.com/photos/asteyn/2128379503/

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