November marks Bullying Awareness Month across Canada, and Family Channel returns with its annual Bullying Awareness Week. From Monday, November 17 through Sunday, November 23, the network airs a full lineup dedicated to anti-bullying messaging. Viewers can expect new bullying-themed episodes, public service announcements, messages from favourite stars, and exclusive footage from this year’s Stand UP! rally.
A Grade 5 student named Maya submitted an entry after watching earlier Stand UP! rallies on television. She described in her entry how their school operates as one big family, with yard monitors and the golden rule to keep hands to yourself, along with other practices that promote kindness and respect.
Hosted by Alexandra Beaton and Jennie Pappas from The Next Step, the rally opened with an exclusive screening of a bullying-themed Austin & Ally episode, airing Friday at 6:30 PM on Family Channel. The screening was followed by a PREVNet-led Q&A about cyberbullying and where to seek help. PREVNet, Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network, works to stop bullying in Canada and shared facts about cyberbullying and how to access support. [Source: PREVNet]
Next on stage was Jason Colero, a community representative who partners with The Argos. He shared his personal experience of being bullied and the obstacles he has overcome. The rally concluded with a Stand UP! dance party to this year’s Stand UP! song I’m Ready Stand UP! Edit by Eleven Past One. [Source: Eleven Past One]
After the rally, the interviewing team spoke with Alexandra Beaton and Jennie Pappas to discuss the event and what excites them for the remaining dates on the schedule.
What is the Stand UP! rally? Alex explained that it is Family Channel’s annual event designed to promote standing up to bullying and to empower communities to take action.
Jennie added that entries came from across Canada and four winners were selected. The winners will receive assemblies at their schools and opportunities to bring in community members who have spent the year preventing bullying, along with other special guests.
Alex highlighted the community focus, noting that the rally brings people together and shows kids there is always someone to listen when they reach out.
Jennie offered guidance for anyone facing bullying: you are not alone, don’t be afraid to talk to someone, and confide in people who will help. Alex echoed the message, stressing that reaching out connects you with those ready to support you.
When asked about the most memorable moment so far, Alex pointed to the dance energy, while Jennie emphasized meeting the PREVNet representative who works year‑round to prevent cyberbullying.
Alex also spoke about meeting Jason from The Argos, noting how his story can inspire older boys to speak up about hardship and to seek help, recognizing that masculine pressure can make it harder to come forward.
When asked what they are most excited for in upcoming rallies, Alex said the chance to spread the message and connect with people one‑on‑one is priceless; Jennie looked forward to travel and meeting Canadians who share the same goal.
Jennie and Alex both stressed how meaningful it is to share this cause together and to expand their involvement beyond acting on set.
Both thanked the team and Family Channel for organizing Stand UP! events and giving young voices a platform in the fight against bullying.
Viewers are invited to tune into Family Channel all week for anti-bullying episodes and related content. On Friday, November 21 at 6:30 PM, The Next Step stars Alexandra Beaton, Jennie Pappas, Lamar Johnson, Brittany Raymond, and Trevor Troddman will host A Night To Stand UP! For. Check Family Channel’s listings for times.