EX-BEGA resident Trent Hooper is saying no to bullies.
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And he is not alone - the Facebook page he instigated, Charlotte’s Law, has close to 14,500 “Likes”.
The website aims to raise awareness of bulling and features celebrities who have taken a selfie while holding a card on which is written “say no to bullies”.
“Each and every day more and more people experience bullying and there needs to be a greater awareness of this,” Mr Hooper said.
Mr Hooper had the idea for his page after thinking how lots of people are influence by celebrities.
He launched the page the day after media personality Charlotte Dawson died, and dedicated it to her.
“It’s basically a safe haven for people who are going through what Charlotte Dawson went through,” Mr Hooper said.
Ms Dawson was a New Zealand-Australian TV personality who was a victim of cyber-bullying and committed suicide in February 2014.
Mr Hooper said it is not just children who are bullied - adults are as well, in the workplace and online.
“Everyone experiences bullying in some way or another,” he said.
“I was a victim of bullying and I know others who were victims of bullying.
“There are people inboxing me every day saying they just can’t take it anymore.
“I feel the government needs to change its cyber-bullying laws.”
Celebrities who have contributed to Mr Hooper’s Facebook page include Home and Away actors Ross Newton and Grant Dowdell, reporter Craig Bennett, comedian Anthony Ackroyd, The Collective musician William Singe, country musician Amber Lawrence and 2014 My Kitchen Rules contestants Josh, Danielle, Carly and Tresne.
“I’ve met some really nice people through it,” Mr Hooper said.
He said he has had even more celebrities respond they will take a photo for the page.
“It’s slowly getting bigger,” he said.
Mr Hooper had said from the start he is no councillor, and if people on his page state they are severely depressed he recommends they contact professional services.
“[But] sometimes people just want to vent,” he said.
Mr Hooper lived in the Bega Valley for about 15 years and attended Candelo Public School, but now resides in Victoria.
Visit his page at www.facebook.com/SupportCL.
* If you are experiencing bullying or depression, support is available by contacting the services below.
Lifeline 131 114
MensLine 1300 789 978
beyondblue 1300 224 636
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
