The Big March 2012

Essex Police has joined forces with charity Beatbullying to support The Big March 2012 - the world's first global virtual march for children's rights.

On Thursday, March 1, 2012 millions of virtual avatars will march across the websites of some of the organisations supporting a petition to help protect children all over the world from bullying and harrassment.

Celebrities, politicians, charities and businesses will be joining in the march from Manchester to Mumbai, Naples to New Orleans, Jerusalem to Johannesburg and Budapest to Brasilia.

At the end of the march a real petition will be presented to the United Nations in New York asking for a child's right to be safe from bullying to be included in the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child. If successful, it will be the first time the Convention has been updated in over 10 years.

 I believe that every child has the right to a life that is safe, dignified and free from violence and bullying. 
CEO of Beatbullying

More than 950,000 supporters have signed up to the march including pop stars Pixie Lott, The Saturdays, Jedward and Aston Merrygold from JLS.

The idea builds on 2010's Big March in which a petition was delivered to 10 Downing Street asking for the Government to protect children and young people from all forms of bullying and harrassment. It resulted in discussions with Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg where Beatbullying was able to deliver its recommendations.

Emma-Jane Cross, CEO of Beatbullying, said: "Thousands of children have taken their own lives as a direct result of being bullied. This must stop.

"I believe that every child has the right to a life that is safe, dignified and free from violence and bullying.

"Together we can make a difference to children's rights with the largest globally connected digital take over the world has ever seen."

 Together we can make a difference to children's rights with the largest globally connected digital take over the world has ever seen. 
CEO of Beatbullying

Substance Mis-use and Youth Inspector Jasmine Frost said: "Essex Police is really pleased to be supporting The Big March.

"It's is a great opportunity to get involved and join with partner agencies and people across the world to make our voices heard."

Richard Piggin, deputy CEO of Beatbullying, said: "The most important thing if you are being bullied is to tell someone. It could be a teacher, a parent or your best friend.

"We've trained young people to be able to provide support. You can go log on to http://cybermentors.org.uk/ at any time for support and advice."

To find out more about The Big March, visit http://www.beatbullying.org/bigmarch/