Tozi marks Anti-Bullying Week with social campaign to support young people online

Tozi, the anti-bullying and cyber-safety app developed by Vodafone Foundation, in collaboration with DCU Anti-Bullying Centre and the ISPCC, is marking Anti-Bullying Week (wc 10 November) with a new social media campaign: Supporting Young People in the Digital World.

The campaign aims to empower young people to recognise, respond to, and rise above bullying and is launched as recent ESRI research shows that 62% of 13-year-olds reported experiencing at least one bullying behaviour in the past three months, while one in ten Tozi users have activated the app’s SOS feature in the last year, connecting them directly to Childline via call or chat —demonstrating the importance of a trusted digital space and the need for quick, seamless access to support 24/7.

At the heart of the campaign is a short video featuring two girls exploring Tozi’s “Beat Bullying” module, sharing their thoughts on the app and how it helps them navigate online challenges with confidence.

Tozi:

In 2022, The Vodafone Ireland Foundation developed and launched Tozi, a free app to combat cyberbullying and promote online safety among children and young people. Since its launch, Tozi has had over 20,000 downloads, and is currently being rolled out across Europe following the Irish success.

It offers a content library with advice on handling online challenges, a private journaling space with a feeling’s tracker, and direct access to Childline through the SOS feature for 24/7 support.

The ESRI research also found that 37% of 13-year-olds faced repeated incidents, with online bullying and name-calling among the most common forms, while children targeted at age nine were more likely to be bullied again at age thirteen, underlining the need for early intervention.

Expert Perspective:

The Irish Girl Guides have been a Vodafone Foundation partner since 2023, working to provide lessons on digital skills to older people through the Hi Digital initiative. The Irish Girl Guides work closely with young people across Ireland and see firsthand the challenges girls face online. Their experience underscores the urgent need for resources like Tozi, which aims to empower and protect young people in the digital world.

Speaking on the growing issue of online bullying, Irish Girl Guides Tir na nÓg Leader and Programme and Training Commissioner, Róisín Mills, said:

“As a Leader with the Irish Girl Guides, I worry about the impact social media is having on the girls in my Unit. I see them becoming more disengaged, and I’ve witnessed the effects of online bullying and the pressure to present a perfect image. That’s why we run activities focused on body image, cyber-security, and smart surfing—giving our members the tools to stay safe and confident online. We’re realistic about phone use and guide the girls to use technology in a positive, informed way. Creating a safe space for these conversations is vital, and I believe it’s making a real difference.”

Tozi doesn’t just teach users what bullying is — it shows them how to stand up, speak out, and support each other in the moments that matter most.

Tozi is available for free download on the App Store and Google Play. Learn more at https://www.to-zi.com/

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