September 24, 2025
VRT’s STIP IT across borders: a united front against bullying
For more than 10 years, the Flemish STIP IT campaign has called on people to stand up against bullying. With four dots on a hand as a powerful symbol, VRT aims to connect, unite and engage young and old over this common theme. With success - not only in Flanders is STIP IT an impactful initiative, but also other countries have adopted the campaign.
“When we launched STIP IT on Ketnet, we never dared to dream that the anti-bullying campaign would grow into a broad initiative with impact beyond our borders. It’s wonderful to see other countries joining in to make bullying a topic of conversation, and of course we hope the four dots will conquer the world.” - Annemie Gulickx, Channel Manager at Ketnet
Since 2023, NPO Zapp, the children’s channel of the Dutch public broadcaster, has been running its own STIP IT campaign. The first edition launched in January 2023, and in September 2025 a new, larger edition will take place during the Week Against Bullying.
“Last year, NPO Zapp organised STIP IT in the Netherlands for the second time. Together with many well-known Dutch personalities, we showed that we stand against bullying. Kids felt heard, acknowledged, and supported to talk about bullying. This year, we’re taking action again during the Week Against Bullying from 22–26 September. Bigger than ever, to reach even more children and make an impact. With a campaign full of familiar Zapp faces, a STIP IT song by the Junior Songfestival, a call to draw four dots on your hand on 26 September, and relevant programming on NPO Zapp, we’re once again drawing attention to this important issue.” – Robert Fortuijn, Channel Manager NPO Zapp
Wallonia is also joining in. In November 2024, RTBF launched its first HOPE campaign (Harcèlement, On s'y oppose et On en Parle Ensemble), with Loïc Nottet as ambassador. For two weeks, programming focused on anti-bullying themes.
“HOPE is a key initiative in raising awareness and combating harassment. Hope provides a valuable opportunity for teachers to discuss this crucial issue with their students in the classroom, fostering open dialogue and encouraging them to speak up. Through HOPE, kids are given a safe space to express their feelings and work together towards a future free from harassment.” - Nicolas-Xavier Ladouce, Head of "Thématique Services aux publics" for HOPE at RTBF
In March 2025, RTV Slovenia organised its own version of STIP IT under the name ‘Odpikajmo nasilje’, which loosely translates to “Away with violence.” The inspiration came directly from Ketnet’s presentation at the EBU Kids meeting. The campaign was widely supported by the government, educational institutions, and experts, and was broadcast on TV, radio, and digital channels.
“We aired the campaign in the children’s and youth programming, connecting all three parts of national television: TV, radio, and digital. We spread the dots throughout Slovenian cities via posters, flags, and social media. Even the President of Slovenia drew dots.” – Martina Peštaj, Head of Children’s and Youth Programming at TV Slovenija
