YouTube launches anti-cyber bullying Web site

Google-owned YouTube, which is international renowned for its user-generated video clips, has partnered with UK charity Beatbullying in a move to address, expose, and counter the act of rising trend of cyber bullying via e-mail, mobile phone use, and social networking. YouTube and Beatbullying have launched a new celebrity-endorsed online channel to help combat cyber bullying. Credit: Metro.co.uk.

YouTube and Beatbullying have launched a new celebrity-endorsed online channel to help combat cyber bullying. Credit: Metro.co.uk.Specifically, the BBC reports that YouTube has launched a dedicated Beatbullying channel on its Web site, which will exist as a platform where young online users will be able to post videos and messages related to their own experiences with online bullying and best to stop it."We’re very pleased to help [Beatbullying] make the most of the internet in their campaigning and hope the YouTube channel is a real help to young people, families and teachers," commented Patrick Walker, director of video partnerships for YouTube Europe.Unveiled at the beginning of this week, which is also anti-bullying week, YouTube hopes its new channel grows to outline how young online users can avoid cyber persecution while also showing them how they can avoid becoming the one doing the bullying."We are very confident it will change people’s lives," enthused Beatbullying CEO Emma-Jane Cross. "It’s so easy for a young person to become a bully online. It is easier to do something online rather than to your face… But if you are being bullied tell someone because something can be done about it."The arrival of YouTube’s Beatbullying channel has also been bolstered with the endorsement of various UK celebrities, some of which have recorded messages denouncing cyber bullying.Celebrities contributing to the channel’s launch with words of advice and guidance included the likes of X-Factor 2006 winner Leona Lewis, athlete Kelly Holmes, chart toppers Girl’s Aloud, actor Patrick Stewart, soap actress Kym Ryder, and Boyzone singer Ronan Keating. "If you wouldn’t say it to someone’s face, then don’t post it online," offered Keating, while popular five-piece Girl’s Aloud warned that: "Happy slapping may be funny to you, until it is a member of your family sat at a bus stop being slapped."