Stars including Ben Kingsley and Will Poulter have taken part in an anti-bullying video campaign.
The celebrities have joined the #StandUpToBullying drive, which encourages social media users to post an image or video of themselves taking a stand, or raising a hand, against bullying, ahead of the first official day on 5 July (16).
In the video campaign, the actors are joined by stars including Imelda Staunton, Downton Abbey's Jim Carter, The Leftovers' Christopher Eccleston and British singers Nathan Sykes, Nicola Roberts, and James McVey from The Vamps.
They each get up from a chair and say, "I'm standing up" or "So am I" and "Me too" before Ben Kingsley concludes, "Stand up to bullying." The video ends with the voiceover, "No one should ever go to sleep at night hoping they won't wake up because of bullying. On Tuesday 5th July, we want you to stand up to bullying."
The Revenant star Will explains why he got involved, saying, “I’m supporting Stand Up To Bullying Day to let those who are being bullied know that they are not alone and there are people looking out for them. It’s important to me because I know that school can be a very intimidating and lonely place. We need to ‘Stand Up’ so school becomes an enjoyable environment where young people feel safer and happier to fulfil their potential."
The Vamps guitarist James confesses he was picked on because he was overweight in high school.
"I always hear people say 'We need to do something', or, 'Someone should do something'," James says. "I'm sick of hearing these terms... We are the ones who can make a difference and make the change. It's time to grasp this issue and deal with it”.
The first ever Stand Up to Bullying day has been organised by officials at The Diana Award, which was set up as a lasting legacy to the late Diana, Princess of Wales and supported by her sons Prince William and Harry.
