According to the National Bullying Prevention Center, 1 out of every 5 (20.8%) students have reported being bullied. Studies have shown that students who experience bullying are at "increased risk for poor school adjustment, sleep difficulties, anxiety, and depression. They are also at greater risk for both mental health and behavior problems than others."

Bullied students indicate that bullying has a negative effect on how they feel about themselves, their relationships with friends and family, and on their school work. And the sad reality is that bullying doesn't seem to go away as we get older. It just takes on a different form in the workplace and an online.  

In short, bullying is an issue that needs to be addressed in a serious manner. 

Enter Joe Fiduccia and his partner, Optimus Prime. The modern day heroes in disguise who have embarked on a mission most would say is impossible. A mission to end bullying once and for all.

"I've been bullied most of my life", says Fiduccia. "I understand how both children and grown adults can be affected by bullies. You sink into depression and lose your sense of self worth. You feel like everyone is against you, and just give up trying as a result."

Fiduccia, who built a full-scale replica of the Transformers truck to inspire his son, tours all over the country with Optimus for events and family-themed conventions of all types. But he tells us that 2019 in particular was a tough year for him, and a turning point in his mission with Optimus.

"I had grand ideas of partnering with Transformers fans from around the country", he says. "We would unite for the greater good. We would offer communities and individuals in need a personalized and meaningful experience. We would embark on projects that had never been done before. We would support worthwhile causes and charities. We would grow and change the world - together."

But much like the initial build of Optimus, unfortunately things did not go as Fiduccia had planned. 

2019 posed several challenges with individuals Fiduccia had been partnering with. Challenges he was not expecting from people who didn't completely understand his vision or see things eye-to-eye. And when Joe decided to end some of those relationships, a few of them turned to a form of cyber bullying against Fiduccia in an attempt to defame him and stop his forward momentum.

"That was tough", states Fiduccia. "When I saw these hate messages pop up, I kept asking myself 'WHY'. It seemed like these people had nothing better to do than spy on me or attempt to create drama online where there wasn't any. And it hurt, especially because I was always respectful, courteous, and professional with them to the very end."

Because of those experiences in 2019, and factoring in a lifetime of experience dealing with bullies of all forms, Fiduccia started a campaign like no other. He believed in harnessing the power of his Optimus Prime replica to promote a message of hope and anti-bullying. A message that he has shared across several states for thousands of elementary school children. And a message that has already received national attention.

"Those bullies wanted a reaction from me. Well here it is. I can guarantee you they didn't see this response coming."

Even Optimus speaks a few words during his presentation before Joe distributes anti-bully pledge cards to the students. Inviting them up for class photos alongside their Autobot hero when the presentation is finished.

"I am not a certified expert in bully prevention. And I recognize and appreciate all of the other organizations that are working hard to stop it. But I am unique. I come to these kids with real-world experiences, a background in public speaking, and a genuine desire to help. Not to mention my partner is a really, REALLY cool Autobot hero."

Fiduccia continues: "it took me a long time to realize that most bullies target you because THEY are the ones dealing with personal struggles in life. Struggles they are attempting to forget through bully behavior. They are the ones who see the world negatively, not me. So I want these kids to realize that if they are bullied, it likely has nothing to do with anything they said or did. And that they should never take it personally."

As of the date this article was published, Fiduccia had visited almost a dozen elementary schools from Pennsylvania to South Carolina to Texas. His campaign has been recognized by news outlets across each region, and the feedback from the administrators has been positive throughout.

"What a wonderful, positive message of empowerment and belief in oneself that you brought to all our students! A great example of how our dreams can become reality", shares an administrator from the Pleasant Valley School District in Pennsylvania.

Joe's vision for 2020 is to target and visit at least 100 schools or 10,000 children by the end of the year with Optimus. He believes he has the potential to inspire real change for children and adults alike. Though he admits he doesn't know how he'll pull it off financially, he maintains an open mind that someone will come forward to assist in accomplishing this seemingly impossible challenge.

"The partners I disassociated with in 2019 definitely do not represent the caliber of professionalism I had come to expect or was looking for. But I'm glad things ended how they did. Because it led me down this new path that will hopefully change lives all over the world. Not to mention these experiences with bullies continue providing me with teachable moments as a father."

Optimus and Joe are willing to travel anywhere in the world as part of their end bullying initiative. If you would like to invite them to your school district, or if you would like to support their mission through a unique sponsorship, please send them a message.

We wish them well in their journey of hope, inspiration, and change.