AT&T Announces New Initiative to Combat Cyberbullying

QUINCY, Mass. -- It’s often easy to hide behind a quick text, snap, post or tweet – but the lasting effects can have a devastating effect on teens and their families.

With school out and the summer months ahead, cyberbullies may actually have more time on their hands this time of year to harass and bully others online. AT&T is launching a first-of-its kind effort to help students, parents and educators tackle the cyberbullying crisis.

As part of the effort to fight cyberbullying, AT&T is unveiling an AT&T-produced original film, “There’s a Soul Behind That Screen”. The film will be accompanied by a written guide produced by Common Sense Media and the Tyler Clementi Foundation that provides parents with tools to identify signs of bullying and provide them with clear actions to protect their kids.

“The impact of cyberbullying on our youth has become pervasive and alarming. We simply can't allow this crisis to destroy more lives and families. AT&T is hoping to give parents, educators and students the tools to combat this epidemic,” said Marissa Shorenstein, SVP, AT&T-East Region. “We’re working first with the New York City Department of Education, the New York City Council, and the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment to start a dialogue that will support parents, their children and educators to lead positive change in our communities.”

A poll from AT&T and the Tyler Clementi Foundation taken in New York City last year found that while nearly 50 percent of teens have experienced cyberbullying, the parents are largely unaware of what’s happening under their own roof. Only one in three teens told their parents that they were being bullied, underscoring a clear disconnect between teens and parents.

This new campaign aims to close this gap.