Words Matter – Kolsquare and The Cybersmile Foundation Join Forces to Tackle Online Bullying

In a world where online comments can echo louder than conversation, a powerful movement is taking shape to remind us that empathy still carries weight. Kolsquare, the influencer marketing platform known for its stance on responsible influence, has joined forces with The Cybersmile Foundation to confront one of the most persistent problems of the digital age — online bullying.

Their global campaign, Words Matter, arrives in time for UNESCO’s International Day Against Violence and Bullying at School. Its message is simple yet urgent. Words can harm, but they can also heal. The campaign calls on influencers to speak candidly about their experiences with cyberbullying, to use their platforms to inspire kindness, and to spark a conversation about the importance of respect in online spaces.

Anti-bullying campaigner and former professional footballer Zander Murray

The statistics are sobering. The World Health Organisation found that one in six young people across 44 countries had been bullied online in 2024. In the UK, the issue is even more pronounced among girls. Research from the NSPCC revealed that more than a third of parents said their daughters had been targeted by other children. Behind those numbers are real stories of fear, silence and the search for belonging.

A New Kind of InfluenceFor Kolsquare, this collaboration is about transforming social influence into social impact. The company has long believed that creators can be more than entertainers — they can be educators, allies and defenders of kindness. In Words Matter, a group of creators hand-picked for their authenticity and connection to younger audiences are using their platforms to do just that.

They are urging their followers to think before they post, to recognise harmful behaviour, and to support peers who may be struggling. Each influencer is also helping to direct young people towards the resources and guidance offered by The Cybersmile Foundation, building a bridge between conversation and action.

“Kolsquare was founded on the belief that influence can be a force for good,” explains CEO Quentin Bordage. “For many young people, influencers are the voices they trust most. When they speak about empathy and respect, people listen. That gives us a unique opportunity to shape digital culture in a positive way.”

The Strength in Speaking UpAmong the creators lending their voice to the campaign is Zander Murray, the former professional footballer from Glasgow who became Scotland’s first openly gay male player. Murray’s journey from fear to freedom has made him one of the country’s most inspiring advocates for inclusion and mental health.

“Being a positive role model is everything to me,” says Murray. “When I visit schools, I see how powerful it is for young people to realise that they don’t have to hide who they are to feel safe. Influence can save lives when it’s used with compassion.”

Murray knows the pain that silence can carry. Growing up, he hid his sexuality for sixteen years to avoid being bullied. “I saw other boys beaten up, and I knew that if anyone suspected I was gay, I’d be next. I stayed quiet until I was 29. That’s why campaigns like Words Matter matter so deeply. When young people see someone like them standing tall, it can change everything.”

A Culture Shift Online

Words Matter is not about perfection. It is about awareness, empathy and accountability. It’s about showing that influence can be used to uplift rather than undermine, to protect rather than provoke.

Influencers play a crucial role in defining what is seen as acceptable online. They can stop toxic trends before they spread, model healthy ways to respond to conflict, and encourage their communities to speak up when something feels wrong. They can turn platforms into places of protection rather than pressure.

At its core, Words Matter is a reminder that our digital lives are still human spaces — and that every post, every comment, every message has weight. Kolsquare and The Cybersmile Foundation are proving that the future of social media does not have to be about noise or numbers. It can be about compassion, connection and the courage to choose kindness.