Cox Launches Anti-Bullying PSA Campaign in Virginia

CHESAPEAKE, Va., Nov. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Communications is launching a multi-faceted anti-bullying public service campaign in response to the growing problem of youth bullying in Virginia. This program will reach parents and children, while providing tools needed to successfully cope with bullying. This effort is in coordination with the premiere of Cox Channel 11's "Plugged-In: Breaking the Bully Culture" special. The program will premiere on Sunday, November 20, at 8 p.m.

Also, radio personalities from several radio stations in the Hampton Roads market are partnering with Cox to share important information on bullying. Nick Taylor and Tricia Harris Friddell from Z104; Chuck Doud and Mary Kathryn Wood from The Point, Teresa Baker from R&B-FM; and Jenna Kehoe from 2WD will appear in the television advertisements intended to raise awareness of the problem of bullying. Also, free informational resource cards and "Take Charge! Stop the Bullying" wristbands will be available at all Cox Solutions Stores for kids and parents during this campaign. These materials address the warning signs of youth bullying and offer advice for kids on how to better deal with bullying situations and behaviors.

Gary McCollum, SVP & General Manager of Cox Communications said, "The statistics which show how many of our kids are being bullied, are alarming. Our goal is to bring more general awareness to this important issue, and to arm both children and parents with resources to face and overcome it."

Research from the National Center for Bullying Prevention, the Virginia Department of Health, and the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, was used to develop the materials for this public service effort. The following are statistics which are most prominent in the findings:

• One in every four kids is bullied frequently
• Only twenty-five to fifty percent of those children report the bullying
• This is a growing problem and quickly becoming an epidemic in this country.

McCollum adds, "Cox Communications is committed to supporting youth and education, and we are proud to launch this state-wide campaign."

"Plugged In: Breaking the Bully Culture" Special on Cox 11:
Cox Channel 11 will air another episode of its award-winning show "Plugged In: Breaking the Bully Culture" on Sunday, November 20, at 8 p.m. This special will give viewers a closer look at the impact of bullying behaviors on young people.

The show is hosted by Z104 morning radio personality, Nick Taylor, who speaks with students from Crittenden and Passage Middle Schools about the bullying behaviors they face everyday. Experts throughout Virginia who specialize in the advocacy for bullying prevention also join the discussion.

• Dr. Catherine Moffett, Associate Professor, Counselor Education, VCU
• Dr. Tawyna Pettiford-Wates, Founder & Director, The Conciliation Project
• Donzell Lewis, The Conciliation Project
• Janelle Spitz, Principal, Passage Middle School
• Patrice Lambusta, Library Media Specialist, Passage Middle School
• Tanya Graham, Teacher, Crittenden Middle School
• Nicholas Diggs, Teacher, Crittenden Middle School
• Deborah Christian, Certified Trainer, The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program

Participating in this production is a panel of bullying prevention experts from across the state including advisors from Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech, the Virginia Departments of Health and Education, and the National Center for the Prevention of Bullying. Students from Passage Middle School and Crittenden Middle school were part of the interactive audience of the 'Plugged In' special hosted by Z104's Nick Taylor. Tips and information sharing for subscribers will also occur regularly on the Cox Facebook and Twitter pages during the campaign.

There will be additional airings of this show throughout December and January on Cox 11 Hampton Roads, Cox 9 Roanoke, and the program will be available On Demand channel 2069.

For more information, contact Felicia Blow at 757-222-8432 or [email protected].

About Cox Communications:
Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and wireless services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves more than 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising. Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; for six years, Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity, and the company holds a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.  

SOURCE Cox Communications