Today, in honor of Stop Cyberbullying Day, we're excited to announce the launch of a new partnership with CO. by Colgate to raise awareness of online bullying and its impact on the lives of many young people. CO. by Colgate will donate $1 for every product purchased in 2021 to us, committing to a minimum donation of $200,000 and a maximum of $300,000.
Both founded on the values of inclusivity and authentic self-expression, alongside CO. by Colgate, we envision a world where everyone can express themselves freely; when we can express ourselves freely, we smile more. Yet research we conducted with CO. by Colgate shows cyberbullying is a significant barrier to confident self-expression, with 73% of Gen Z stating they have seen somebody targeted with online abuse, bullying, or harassment for how they express their individuality or identity.*
CO. by Colgate aims to help change this reality by supporting our work through financial contributions and by raising awareness around cyberbullying on CO.'s social media platforms.
Cyberbullying is a longstanding issue that impacts people's confidence in their smile: new research has found that 77% of Gen Z* have felt self-conscious posting a selfie online because of their teeth or smile. We are proud to support the work of The Cybersmile Foundation to build a safer, more inclusive future for Gen-Z and all online users.
Dana Medema, Vice President & General Manager, Oral Care, Colgate North America
To extend the conversation beyond Stop Cyberbullying Day, with CO. by Colgate, we will continue to raise awareness of cyberbullying throughout the year and will publish a report sponsored by CO. by Colgate titled "The State of Play Report: Gen Z & Identity Based Cyberbullying." The report will center on the prevalence of cyberbullying on Gen Z and its emotional impact, with a particular focus on the intersection of cyberbullying and ableness, race, skin tone, religious affiliation, individual identity, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
Findings from the report will inform a series of best-practice recommendations for dealing with cyberbullying and reporting identity-based abuse and hate speech on a platform-by-platform basis; it will also help guide our ongoing work and support services.
Stop Cyberbullying Day is a very important day for The Cybersmile Foundation, as we dedicate our work to promote kindness, diversity, and inclusion by building a safer, more positive digital community. We are pleased to have CO. by Colgate as a partner, a brand that champions all people to share their authentic selves with the world and live their truth boldly.
Scott Freeman, CEO, The Cybersmile Foundation
Join us on social media to help promote a more inclusive and positive online community where everyone can smile brighter and bolder.