We are proud to announce the launch of an exciting new partnership with leading cosmetics brand Rimmel that will address the issues surrounding beauty cyberbullying and online abuse.
The three-year partnership will involve joint incentives and campaigns supported by online influencers and celebrities around the world who share a pro-active attitude to online abuse and to help young girls and women build resilience to beauty cyberbullying.
We are delighted that Rimmel has partnered with us to address such an important and relevant issue that is affecting so many people around the world. Their long-term commitment shows a real understanding of the scale of the problem and the work needed to develop effective support and resources for the victims of beauty cyberbullying.
Dan Raisbeck, Co-founder, The Cybersmile Foundation
Beauty cyberbullying affects millions of people around the world annually. A recent consumer survey by Rimmel revealed that each year, an estimated 115 million images are removed from the Internet due to negative comments or abuse, and that 46% of women who had experienced beauty cyberbullying went on to develop problems including self-harm, alcohol abuse, substance abuse, and eating disorders.
This worrying trend is a huge challenge for young people who feel afraid to explore or celebrate their own beauty through fear of ridicule, judgment, and abuse.
1 in 4 young women have experienced cyberbullying. This is why we have partnered with The Cybersmile Foundation who are committed to tackling all forms of digital abuse, harassment and bullying online. Our support will enable Cybersmile to develop an artificial intelligence tool to direct those seeking help to the right resources, helplines and organizations to give them the confidence and reassurance they most need.
Sara Wolverson, Global Vice President, Rimmel London
In the first year of our three-year partnership, we will be developing and launching a revolutionary new product called "Cybersmile Assistant." Scheduled to launch in January 2019, this will be a state-of-the-art AI-driven tool that will be available for all visitors to our website from across the globe.
Initially launching in an English-speaking version, this ground-breaking virtual assistant will recommend approved local resources, helplines, and organizations that can help those affected by beauty cyberbullying and many of its associated problems, such as anxiety, body image, and depression.
As cyberbullying is the most pervasive danger to teens in developed countries and beauty cyberbullying continues to escalate, it is inspiring to see Rimmel partner with Cybersmile to raise awareness of the problem and to provide much-needed support to young people the world over.
Dr. Deborah Gilboa, Youth & Parenting Advisor, Cybersmile Advisory Panel
The AI assistant will house an ever-growing database of expert articles curated by our team, designed to educate and empower those affected to have the confidence to explore and express their own beauty without fear. Cybersmile Assistant can operate at a truly global scale and eradicate wait times for support, meaning those in need will start getting help as soon as they need it.
With the damaging effects of beauty cyberbullying and online abuse continuing to be felt by increasing numbers of people all over the world, we are excited and proud to find a partner who is truly committed to an inclusive internet and shares our vision of a digital community where everybody can feel free to express themselves without the fear of ridicule and abuse. I am confident that our partnership will change and save lives all over the world.
Scott Freeman, CEO, The Cybersmile Foundation
To celebrate the launch of the partnership, we have also published a beauty cyberbullying toolkit developed in partnership with Rimmel, which is available for free to all internet users around the world. The toolkit is a digital guide for anyone who is affected by beauty cyberbullying and details the steps you can take to protect yourself, deal with incidents, and support others who are targeted with abuse because of their identity.