Over the past few weeks there has been an increased focus on “teen bullying”. It really started with Ellen and her announcement that she made on her show.

But it was last year while teaching at a local school that I got really interested in the Stand Up to Bullying campaign with family channel and Nico Archambault.

Now more than ever, more and more youth are taking their lives because of how badly they’re being bullied. It doesn’t matter whether it’s because they’re gay, they have a different religion, culture or skin colour or for whatever reason people found the need to bully them, no one deserves to be treated in such a way. It is sad to think that the only way for people (most importantly teens) to escape the pain is to take their own lives?

This year someone, somewhere in the world,  created an event where they encourage you to stand up for what you believe.  On Saturday, October 23rd write Stand Up! on your arm to stand up against bullying and remembering those who ended their lives because of bullying. Stand up and make it stop!

So I decided to take this to the next level and create some photos that captured that idea.  I took a break from my other editing (sorry if you are waiting for pictures) but I had to get this post up because I love the way the pictures turned out and I wanted to share them with all of you.

Thanks to my wonderful models who braved the cold, and a little rain to help me with the project!

Remember words hurt, be careful and aware of the words you use and how they affect others.  This is not just for teens but for everyone!