We have teamed up with Urban Decay and three-time world swimming champion Anastasia Pagonis to help stop cyberbullying and make the internet a kinder place through the ongoing "WORDS HURT IRL" initiative, which has been positively impacting internet users since 2021.
The collaboration features a powerful call-to-action video series starring Pagonis as the latest installment of our activities with Urban Decay.
Pagonis, 19, who lost her sight at age 14 as the result of an autoimmune disease, shares her personal experience with bullying and outlines four simple steps anyone can take to combat "trolls" in the campaign video. Subsequent films provide more in-depth details about how to stop hate and spread love on social media.
Losing my vision was hard enough and it's even worse when people online accuse me of lying about it. Negative energy belongs in the trash - not in our feeds.
Anastasia Pagonis, World Swimming Champion
WORDS HURT IRL has already started to kick off on Urban Decay's social media channels with Cybersmile Mondays, a mental health initiative from the brand centered around digital wellbeing. Through social content, Urban Decay will speak to their audience to showcase acts and words of kindness.
We've always championed individuality at Urban Decay and believe that everyone should be able to freely express their authentic selves online without being subject to abuse. We are thrilled to have someone as dynamic, determined, and accomplished as Anastasia joining us on our mission to end cyberbullying and create safe digital spaces for all.
Eva Erdmann, President, Urban Decay Global
In addition, to continue providing vital resources and support to its community and beyond, the beauty brand is also making a $75,000 donation to us. This pledge marks three years of partnership and a total contribution of $300,000 to Cybersmile.
We are extremely proud to be working alongside Anastasia as part of our long-term partnership with Urban Decay. She is a powerful, inspiring, and authentic advocate for kindness and empathy, all of which align perfectly with our organizational mission and values.
Laura Lewandowski, Chief Policy Officer, The Cybersmile Foundation
Since 2021, we've worked alongside Urban Decay to develop free educational materials and provide assistance to victims of online bullying and their families. Our latest campaign will continue to help educate and inspire young people to look out for one another in the face of online abuse.