Liam Hackett

Dr Liam Hackett FRSA
Born (1991-01-19) 19 January 1991
St Helens, UK
Residence London & Los Angeles
Nationality British
Alma mater University of Sussex
Occupation Founder and CEO of Ditch the Label
Website www.DitchtheLabel.org

Liam Hackett (born 19 January 1991 in St Helens) is an activist and entrepreneur best known as the founder and CEO of the global equality and anti-bullying charity Ditch the Label. Hackett is also known as one of the stars of Huffington Post's reality series, 'The New Activists'. [1][2]

Hackett is a regular contributor towards the global conversation surrounding technology and bullying and has advised the British, European and American Governments[3][4][5] and speaks often at the United Nations[6][7][8]. In 2017 he became the youngest person to receive an honorary degree from the University of Sussex[9].

Early life

Hackett grew up in St Helens, United Kingdom and experienced both physical and emotional bullying at school. In the last few years at his secondary school, he was physically assaulted outside of school, causing him to be hospitalised. Hackett has said in some interviews that the bullying he experienced was homophobic.[10]

Hackett first came out as bisexual and, in his college years, he came out as gay.[11] After college Hackett moved to Brighton to study business and management at the University of Sussex.[12][13][14] He graduated in 2012 and has since been made notable alumni.

Founding of Ditch the Label

Infancy

After years of being told to 'ignore' those that were bullying him and failing to find adequate support elsewhere, Hackett took to the internet to post about his experiences of being bullied. He talked openly about the extreme verbal and physical bullying he had experienced, including his hospitalisation after a homophobic attack by a group of people from school.

The online community rapidly expanded - soon thousands of people were seeking help, advice and comfort in the forum - the movement became so large, that in 2006 Hackett launched a specific MySpace profile to host the conversations that were taking place online and named it ‘Ditch the Label’. [15]

Despite his young age, Hackett recognised the potential of Ditch the Label - the positive impact it could have upon young people and society at large. With drive and determination to help those who were in need, he approached the local Chamber of Commerce in 2007. Aged 16, he became the first person below the age of 18 to receive a grant in his local area to develop a Ditch the Label website - an online hub dedicated to helping and supporting those that had been impacted by bullying - prior to its inception, this had not existed elsewhere on the web.

Official Registration

Ditch the Label continued to grow in momentum behind the scenes as Hackett simultaneously studied for his degree at the University of Sussex. In 2012, he graduated with a degree in business and management and immediately registered Ditch the Label as a legal entity and began to formally develop the organisation. As a new graduate without financial aid or backing, he sold his personal possessions to fund the organisation, such was his belief and commitment to spreading awareness, campaigning for equality and helping those in need. He would continue to work without a wage, funding Ditch the Label out of his own pocket for the next three to four years.[16]

In March 2014, Ditch the Label was officially recognised and registered as a charity in the UK.[17]

Expansion to USA and Mexico (2016)

In 2016 Ditch the Label announced their international expansion into the United States of America as "Ditch the Label" and as "Deja Las Etiquetas" in Mexico. Shortly after, Ditch the Label gained 501(c)(3) status in the USA and then opened their office in Los Angeles. Hackett splits his time between both offices.

Controversies

Lewis Hamilton

In 2017, Hackett publicly called out Hamilton for 'shaming his nephew' in response to a Tweet that Hamilton posted with a video of his nephew wearing a dress. As a result, there was a backlash launched against Hamilton and in response he removed the video and issued an apology[18].

Sexism at the NHS

In 2018, Hackett called out alleged sexism at an NHS breast cancer screening clinic which was backed by Dr. Christian Jessen.[19]

Kim Kardashian

Hackett publicly called out Kardashian in response to her promotion of 'appetite suppressant lollipops', touting the impact that such promotion can have on the rates of eating disorders, Hackett called on the removal of the photo. The image was removed without apology.[20]

Press and media - key features

2018


2017


  • Responding to an online video, Hackett calls out Lewis Hamilton for 'shaming his nephew'[25]
  • Hackett discusses social media and the impact it has on society at the Oxford Union[26]
  • In response to #MeToo, Hackett links rape culture with 'toxic masculinity'[27]
  • Hackett joined the presenters of 'This Morning' to discuss the story of Keaton Jones[28]
  • Instagram named as the worst platform for online abuse, Hackett says[29][30][31]
  • In response to new research, Hackett talks about online abuse within gaming environments[32][33]
  • Hackett campaigns for app SimSimi to be banned[34][35]
  • In partnership with the Children's Commissioner for England, Hackett calls on social networks to be more "child friendly"[36]
  • Hackett talks about young people not conforming to 'traditional labels of sexuality'[37][38]

2016


  • Speaking at We Day in Wembley Arena to 12,000 people, Hackett describes the journey of Ditch the Label[39][40]
  • Hackett talks about the psychology behind bullying in response to new research that finds those who are victimised to bullying are likely to perpetrate[41][42][43]
  • Politics and cyberbullying - Hackett comments on the relationship between the two[44]

2015 and earlier

Hackett regularly speaks through the media on topics related to bullying. In one of his first interviews, Liam spoke on The Surgery with Alex for BBC Radio 1 about his own personal experiences of bullying[45] - as an ambassador for equality, Hackett understands the importance of sharing his own personal story and journey - providing a role model and tangible success story for young people experiencing prejudice to look up to.

He has also commented on how bullying can affect children from wealthy families for articles in The Daily Telegraph and The Independent.[46][47]

On July 2014, Hackett gave an exclusive insight into his experiences with homophobic bullying and his coming out story to Gay Star News [48]

Hackett spoke on Sky News about the sudden rise in cases of cyberbullying,[49] he later debated the issues on Channel 5 News, where he frequently discusses bullying and the lives of young people.[50][50][51] Following a major new Ditch the Label research report Hackett gave advice to young people via Sky News on how to overcome cyberbullying.[52] He also spoke about the report on Good Morning Britain and urged key stakeholders to take action.[53]

Hackett has contributed articles about the current climate of bullying within the UK's education system for SecEd Magazine and the British Journal of School Nursing.[54][55] In October 2013, Hackett was interviewed on Chinese state television broadcaster CCTV discussing issues surrounding cyberbullying.[56]

Accolades

  • Youngest person to receive an honorary degree from the University of Sussex[57]
  • Top 30 charity chief executive on social media[58]
  • Received a grant from St Helens Chamber of Commerce before he was 18, enabling him to launch the Ditch the Label website, this later evolved into the charity. (2007)
  • Shortlisted "Entrepreneur of the Year" and "Organisation of the Year" - National Diversity Awards. (2013)
  • Fellow of Royal Society of Arts - FRSA. (2014)
  • Winner of "Best European Marketing Campaign 2014" in European Diversity Awards. (2014)
  • Winner of "Young Business Person of the Year" in the Sussex Business Awards for his work with Ditch the Label. (2014)
  • Winner of "European Campaigner of the Year" - Highly Commended in European Diversity Awards. (2015)
  • Notable Alumni - University of Sussex
  • He has worked closely with, and written for the UN, as well as other governmental agencies.
  • Sits on the advisory board of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, of which Ditch the Label is a core member.
  • Sits on the task force of the 5Rights initiative headed by The Children’s commissioner for England.

References

  1. ↑ "The New Activists | Monkey". www.monkeykingdom.com. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  2. ↑ "" New Activists: Watch The First Episode Of HuffPost UK's Daily Docu-Reality Series"". Retrieved 4 October 2017.
  3. ↑ Elgot, Jessica (2017-01-05). "Children in England sign over digital rights 'regularly and unknowingly'". the Guardian. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  4. ↑ "Liam Hackett". StopBullying.gov. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  5. ↑ "Cyberbullying Among Young People" (PDF). European Parliament. June 2018.
  6. ↑ kathrinegarrison (2018-05-10). "Commission on the Status of Women: Raising Our Voices". Mennonite Central Committee U.S. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  7. ↑ "Cyberbullying and Its Implications for Human Rights | UN Chronicle". unchronicle.un.org. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  8. ↑ anne.balonier (2017-08-09). "Bullying Survey 2017: Cyberbullying impacts young people's real lives". academicimpact.un.org. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  9. ↑ Tremlett, Rose. "University of Sussex awards degree to youngest ever honorary graduate". The University of Sussex. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  10. ↑ "Together We Can Change Society And Beat Bullying Once And For All". HuffPost UK. 2017-09-25. Retrieved 2018-06-11.
  11. ↑ "Liam Hackett". RUComingOut. Retrieved 2018-06-11.
  12. ↑ "Liam Hackett - Founder and CEO Profile". Ditch the Label. Retrieved 2 May 2013.
  13. ↑ "Introducing: Ditch The Label". attitude.co.uk. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  14. ↑ "R u coming out features: Liam Hackett". Retrieved 1 August 2014.
  15. ↑ Bhandari, Bibek (2012-08-06). "Liam Hackett: "It Does Get Better"". Huffington Post. Retrieved 2018-06-11.
  16. ↑ "It Took Us Just Under Twelve Months, But We Finally Got Charity Status In The USA". HuffPost UK. 2017-10-05. Retrieved 2018-06-11.
  17. ↑ "It Took Us Just Under Twelve Months, But We Finally Got Charity Status In The USA". HuffPost UK. 2017-10-05. Retrieved 2018-06-11.
  18. ↑ Turner, Camilla (2017-12-26). "Lewis Hamilton criticised after 'shaming' his four-year old nephew for wearing a princess dress". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2018-06-11.
  19. ↑ "Men supporting women at cancer screenings are banned from waiting room". Mail Online. Retrieved 2018-06-11.
  20. ↑ Staff, AOL. "Kim Kardashian slammed as 'worst example for girls' after this controversial Instagram post". AOL.com. Retrieved 2018-06-11.
  21. ↑ "Men supporting women at cancer screenings are banned from waiting room". Mail Online. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  22. ↑ "Kim Kardashian deletes appetite suppressant product post after backlash - Grazia Australia". Grazia Australia. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  23. ↑ Staff, AOL. "Kim Kardashian slammed as 'worst example for girls' after this controversial Instagram post". AOL.com. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  24. ↑ "Kim Kardashian Has Deleted A Controversial Promo For Diet Lollipops Twice". NYLON. 2018-05-16. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  25. ↑ Wong, Curtis M. (2017-12-26). "Lewis Hamilton Mocks Nephew For Wearing A 'Princess Dress' On Christmas". Huffington Post. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  26. ↑ OxfordUnion (2017-02-21), Social Media Does NOT Corrupt Human Interactions | Liam Hackett | Part 4 of 6, retrieved 2018-06-12
  27. ↑ CNN, Kara Fox and Jan Diehm,. "#MeToo's global moment: the anatomy of a viral campaign". CNN. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  28. ↑ "Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield emotional over Keaton Jones bullying video". Metro. 2017-12-12. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  29. ↑ "UK teens say Instagram is the worst app for cyberbullying". Engadget. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  30. ↑ Wakefield, Jane (2017-07-19). "Instagram tops cyber-bullying study". BBC News. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  31. ↑ Curtis, Sophie (2017-07-20). "Instagram has been named the worst social network for online bullying". mirror. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  32. ↑ "Boy, 16, told to 'kill himself' by sick trolls every time he plays online games". The Sun. 2017-06-02. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  33. ↑ "More than half of children bullied online". Sky News. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  34. ↑ Rahman-Jones, Interviews by Daniel Rosney, words by Imran (2017-03-31). "Anti-bullying campaigners call for a ban on chatbot app SimSimi - BBC Newsbeat". BBC Newsbeat. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  35. ↑ "Parents warned about cruel social media bullying craze". Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  36. ↑ Elgot, Jessica (2017-01-05). "Children in England sign over digital rights 'regularly and unknowingly'". the Guardian. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  37. ↑ "More Than Half Of Young People Don't Identify As Straight". Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  38. ↑ McNamara, Brittney. "Most Young People Don't Identify as Straight, Survey Says". Teen Vogue. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  39. ↑ DitchtheLabelORG (2016-04-14), Liam Hackett - Live at Wembley Arena, retrieved 2018-06-12
  40. ↑ "WE Day UK 2016 - WE". WE. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  41. ↑ "Anti-Bullying Week Study Shows Us The Facts On Online Bullying | LADbible". 1479486180. Retrieved 2018-06-12. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  42. ↑ Ellis, Mark (2016-04-18). "Victims of bullying most likely to become bullies themselves". mirror. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  43. ↑ Crookes, Del (2016-10-05). "Quarter of bullied children 'go on to bully other kids' - BBC Newsbeat". BBC Newsbeat. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  44. ↑ "Cyber-bullying survey says bullying insults most likely provoked by..." Mail Online. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  45. ↑ "Ditch the Label Radio 1 Interview - Liam Hackett". YouTube. 2013-02-04. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
  46. ↑ Henry, Julie (3 February 2013). "Children bullied because of their wealthy backgrounds, study finds". Telegraph. London. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
  47. ↑ Garner, Richard (2013-02-03). "Children from wealthy homes more likely to be bullied at school, research claims - Home News - UK". The Independent. London. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
  48. ↑ "Bullies nearly gay-bashed me to death, now I'm fighting back". GayStarNews. 2014-07-30. Retrieved 11 March 2015.
  49. ↑ "Ditch the Label - Sky News Cyberbullying Feature - October 2013 - Liam Hackett". YouTube. 2013-10-29. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
  50. 1 2 "Channel 5 Live News - 30th October 2013". YouTube. 2013-10-29. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
  51. ↑ "Bullied young people fear they won't be taken seriously, says campaigner". YouTube. 2014-01-08. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
  52. ↑ "Sexting: What Should You Do If Your Photos Are Shared Online?". YouTube. 2014-10-15. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
  53. ↑ "1 in 4 Young People Have Had a Naked Selfie Shared". YouTube. 2014-10-16. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
  54. ↑ Hackett, Liam (2013-04-25). "Seven in 10 Under 18s Still Experience Bullying". SecEd Magazine. Retrieved 2 May 2013.
  55. ↑ Hackett, Liam (2013). "Seven in 10 Under 18s still Experience Bullying". British Journal of School Nursing. British Journal of School Nursing. 8 (3): 147–148.
  56. ↑ "[视频]英国：三分之二英青少年曾遭网络欺凌 ([Video] UK: two-thirds of British teenagers experienced cyberbullying)" (in Chinese). CCTV. 15 October 2013. Retrieved 3 August 2014.
  57. ↑ "Anti-bullying campaigner made university´s youngest ever honorary..." Mail Online. Retrieved 2018-06-11.
  58. ↑ "Top 30 charity chief executives on social media in 2016 announced". www.civilsociety.co.uk. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
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