Featured Editorial

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and #ShineBright Celebrate Differences and 50 Years

Does your family love to sit together to enjoy some of the all-time favorite, classic holiday shows. As families will be gathering to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the animated television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center is encouraging parents and educators to use the classic story as an opportunity to open up to the very important conversation with their children about our differences.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and #ShineBright Celebrate Differences and 50 Years

During the holiday season, our lovable little pal Rudolph takes us on an adventure with his very special red nose helping him to 'shine bright.' Unfortunately, Rudolph's red nose is also the reason that he is teased for being different from his peers—an issue that we all know still exists today, both online and IRL (in real life).

"The story of Rudolph's shiny red nose has taught generations of children the importance of accepting each other's differences," said Virginia Herz, daughter of Robert L. May – author of the original Rudolph story. "With the support of PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center, we're able to share the power of this timeless message, reminding children today to celebrate the things that make each of them unique."

According to ShineBright with Rudolph & Friends-


* Nearly 1 in 3 students (27.8%)1 report being bullied during the school year, which is often sparked by differences like a child's looks or body shape. Parents can address the issue of bullying with their children and the relatable story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer offers a creative way to facilitate a conversation about acceptance, respect and diversity.

To help guide a discussion while watching Rudolph, parents and guardians are encouraged to download the ShineBright discussion and activity guide. Visit pacer.org/ShineBright to access a variety of tools, including discussion questions and an entertaining activity that will help children talk about the qualities that make them special.

"Over the past 50 years, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has captured the hearts of viewers across the country as he spread his message of acceptance," said Julie Hertzog, PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center Director. "When we embrace each other's differences and respect the unique traits that make each of us 'shine bright,' we help make the world a brighter place."

Remember to gather the family to enjoy Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer will airing on the CBS Television Network. The heart-warming story of Rudolph is a beloved holiday tradition that has remained relevant for generations.

This classic story from the television special can now be enjoyed as an eBook – "The Legend of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" – and one dollar from each purchase will be donated to PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center. Additionally, all funds raised from the sale of each "ShineBright" t-shirt will be paid directly to PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center. For more information or to purchase the eBook or t-shirt, visit pacer.org/ShineBright.

Let's share the great news about the 50th anniversary of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the ShineBright initiative with these Tweets:

Click to Tweet: Use the story of Rudolph to teach your kids the importance of celebrating our differences PACER.org/ShineBright #ShineBright
Click to Tweet: Embrace the things that make each of us #ShineBright – visit PACER.org/ShineBright to help make the world a brighter place!
Click to Tweet: Just as each star in the sky twinkles in its own unique way, we all have unique qualities that make us #ShineBright PACER.org/ShineBright

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