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San Diego County Teenagers Donate to Cancer Research and LGBTQ Youth as Recognition for Submissions to Centene's Cyberbullying Prevention Contest

Date: 10/12/22

Hana and Michael's submissions to the Centene Institute Youth Impact Award for Cyberbullying Prevention

A subsidiary of Centene Corporation, Health Net is proud to announce that two residents of San Diego County have received recognition for their submission in the Centene Institute Youth Impact Award for Cyberbullying Prevention. As part of the Centene family, we invited California youth to submit visual art entries that convey cyberbullying awareness and prevention for the contest.

Hana's submission conveys the mental effects that can occur to a victim of cyberbullying. Her illustration depicts a young girl that's being swept away by the negative messages she's been receiving online. The hateful words that have been used to describe her have slowly taken over her identity, and she is being sucked into the computer, the source of her pain. Although the young girl is reaching out for help to stay true to her real self, she finds no assistance. For the recognition of her entry, Hana selected St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to receive a $500 donation, which will be used to advance cures for pediatric cancer through research and treatment.

Bullying is a significant challenge for many childhood cancer patients and survivors. Hana's gift will help continue the work to provide comprehensive care for childhood cancer patients, including psychological support to help them deal with bullying and other challenges.

Michael's submission conveys how even the fewest words can have a negative impact on others, haunting them like a nightmare. His illustration depicts an ominous figure coming out of the mobile phone to target the user. For the recognition of his entry, Michael selected a non-profit that focuses on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth to receive a $500 donation.

LGBTQ youth are nearly twice as likely to be called names, verbally harassed or physically assaulted at school compared to their non-LGBTQ peers. Michael's gift can help provide even more support to these young people in crisis.

According to the Pew Research Center, 59% of U.S. teens have been bullied or harassed online. Cyberbullying can lead to social and emotional distress, behavioral problems, and mental health issues, which can also translate into physical health challenges later in life, extending the impact of cyberbullying long after it stops. This contest empowered youth to be part of the solution by advocating for their peers and donating their prize funds to local non-profit organizations.

For more information about the Youth Impact Award, visit the Cyberbullying Prevention Youth Challenge website.