Teens Challenged to Break the Cycle of Dating Violence

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., April 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Break the Cycle, Verizon and Dr. Phil are challenging teens to help raise awareness and end the cycle on dating violence through an innovative competition, hosted by the "Let Your Heart Rule" campaign. Teens are asked to collaborate with classmates to create their own video Public Service Announcement (PSA) to proactively speak out against teen dating violence, competing with other student teams across the country.  Winning students will receive $1,000 in cash for their school, tablets from Verizon Wireless and the chance for their PSA to be featured on national television.

"Verizon, through its HopeLine® program is thrilled to partner with Break the Cycle and Dr. Phil on this important initiative to raise awareness on teen dating violence," said Elva Lima, executive director of community relations and multicultural communications at Verizon Wireless. "The PSA competition empowers teens to work together to get the word out on ending dating and domestic violence.  We are looking forward to watching the PSAs and hearing what teens have to say about ending this destructive cycle of violence."

Interested teens must be between 13-18 years of age and enrolled in high school in the United States to be eligible for participation.  Students can form teams that consist of up to five students and are encouraged to creatively collaborate on their entries.  Five videos will be selected for a final round where teens, friends and family can vote for their favorite PSA.  One grand prize winner will be chosen and receive new tablets from Verizon Wireless, a $1,000 stipend for their school and the chance to have their PSA aired nationwide on Dr. Phil and the Verizon FiOS network.  Entries must be received by April 15, 2011.

Teens who would like more information on this competition can visit www.letyourheartrule.com for contest rules and updates.  For more information on Break the Cycle, visit www.breakthecycle.org.  To learn more about HopeLine from Verizon, visit http://verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest and most advanced 4G network and largest and most reliable 3G network, and serves more than 94 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE,NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE,NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless