Cox Survey: Cyberbullying Continues, But More Teens Are Speaking Up

ATLANTA, Oct. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- According to research released today by Cox Communications, 54 percent of teens have witnessed online bullying. Some 60 percent of teens who admit to being bullied online have told an adult, which marks a 20 percent increase since Cox's 2013 Internet Safety Survey. The survey also reveals a decrease in teens reporting being bullied online: 24 percent of teens reported being bullied online, compared to 31 percent in 2013. Cox released its survey results to kick-off its support of National Bullying Prevention Month, October 1 through October 31, 2014.

While the survey shows increased awareness of the dangers of cyberbullying, there is still more work to be done. Cox has launched the Take Charge! of Cyberbullying pledge, available at cox.com/takecharge. The pledge encourages teens and their families to support those targeted by bullies and seeking help if being bullied.

Additionally, Cox has partnered with Cartoon Network to host four local events throughout the month of October in partnership with Cartoon Network's "Stop Bullying: Speak Up" campaign which helps raise awareness, build partnerships and empowers young people to speak up against bullying. Cox and Cartoon Network will host assemblies in middle schools in Lafayette, LA; Pensacola, FL; Cleveland, OH and Phoenix, AZ. which will be dedicated to encouraging safe and healthy online behavior among youth.

"Cartoon Network's Stop Bullying: Speak Up provides youth, and the adults who care for them, with confidence and competence to speak up safely and effectively wherever bullying behaviors happen," said Alice Cahn, Cartoon Network vice president of social responsibility. "It's heartening to see that bullying incidences are diminishing; but, at the same time, we all know there is still work to be done to ensure that 'speaking up' is what all kids do when they witness bullying.  We share and applaud Cox Communication's commitment to using media as way to continue motivating positive change."

Throughout the month of October, Cox is hosting a special Take Charge! folder on Video On DEMAND that includes documentaries and parent tip videos on bullying from Cartoon Network, Common Sense Media and USA Networks. The programming is free for Cox Advanced TV customers.

Additional resources to help keep families safely connected include:

• For Cox High Speed Internet customers: Free parental control software powered by McAfee, a data usage meter and Cox Tech Solutions
• Parental controls on your Cox Digital Television or your DVR Cable Box
• E911 with Cox Digital Telephone
• StopBullyingSpeakUp.com for free resources including documentaries, PSAs, educator guides, Q&A with experts, tip sheets, response and guidelines

About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and home security and automation services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves approximately 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 eight years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity nine times, including the last eight years. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.

About Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com) is regularly the #1 U.S. television network in prime among boys 6-11 & 9-14. Currently seen in 97 million U.S. homes and 194 countries around the world, Cartoon Network is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for kids and families. In addition to Emmy-winning original programming and industry-leading digital apps and online games, Cartoon Network embraces key social issues affecting families with solution-oriented initiatives such as Stop Bullying: Speak Up and the Move It Movement. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141001/149705

SOURCE Cox Communications

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