As concerns over cyberbullying and youth mental health intensify, Governor Phil Scott declares a statewide day of kindness recognizing the family-safe platform's global initiative — which has inspired tens of thousands of acts of kindness across 50+ countries.
MIDDLETOWN, NY, July 15, 2026 — Gan Jing World (GJW), an independent, family-safe video streaming and content sharing platform serving, today announced that Vermont Governor Philip B. Scott has issued an official proclamation declaring July 15, 2026, as "#BeKindBeCool Day" throughout the State of Vermont, recognizing the #BeKindBeCool movement and its impact on online safety, youth mental health, and digital wellbeing.
Issued under the Governor's hand and the Great Seal of the State of Vermont, the proclamation elevates #BeKindBeCool from a commendation to a statewide day of observance. Governor Scott credited the initiative with reaching far beyond any single community, noting that "Gan Jing World's #BeKindBeCool contest has inspired tens of thousands of acts of kindness across more than 50 countries," and that "this movement has enriched schools, strengthened communities, and positively impacted millions online." The full proclamation — Proclamation 26-75 — is published on the Governor's official website.
A Statewide Day, Amid Rising Online Harm
The proclamation comes as concerns intensify worldwide about social media's impact on young people. Governor Scott pointed directly to these pressures, stating that "cyberbullying, harmful content, social isolation, and digital pressure are real issues affecting residents in every community across Vermont."
The Governor further underscored why messages of kindness matter now, observing that "digital spaces increasingly shape our society and the lives of young people, making messages that promote kindness and healthy connections especially important."
Kindness That Crosses State Borders
In proclaiming the day, Governor Scott emphasized that the challenges #BeKindBeCool addresses are not confined to any one place, noting that “Vermont brings attention to the broader importance of the #BeKindBeCool initiative, as the online challenges it addresses do not stop at state borders.”
With the proclamation, Vermont joins a growing roster of U.S. governors and public officials recognizing the movement. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill commended the #BeKindBeCool Global Video Awards; Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll recognized the initiative; and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued a letter of commendation to its winners. Vermont's action stands out as a full, statewide day of observance, signaling how public officials are increasingly turning shared concern about online harm into constructive, community-driven action.
"To have Vermont proclaim a statewide '#BeKindBeCool Day' is a meaningful affirmation of what this movement stands for," said Nick Janicki, Director of Media Relations at Gan Jing World. "We are grateful to Governor Scott and the State of Vermont for standing with young people, families, and schools, and for helping build an online world that is safer, kinder, and more human."
A Growing Global Movement
By inviting creators and students around the world to produce original videos and artwork that model compassion and positive engagement, the #BeKindBeCool Awards have become a platform for translating concern about online harm into everyday acts of kindness — in schools, families, and communities.
This year's #BeKindBeCool competition opens in July, inviting a new wave of creators and students to share their own acts of kindness, while the latest winners will be celebrated on July 30 in New York City — where winning videos and artwork are featured on the iconic Times Square billboard alongside a prize presentation. The awards continue to grow each year, drawing creators and students from dozens of countries and reaching millions of viewers worldwide.
BY THE NUMBERS:
- "#BeKindBeCool Day" proclaimed statewide in Vermont — July 15, 2026
- Official proclamation issued by the Governor of Vermont, Philip B. Scott
- Tens of thousands of acts of kindness inspired
- More than 50 countries participating
- Millions reached worldwide
- Vermont joins a growing roster of U.S. state and local officials recognizing the movement
About Gan Jing World
Gan Jing World is a video streaming and content sharing platform guided by its mission, "Technology for Humanity" — promoting kindness, respect, trust, and moral values. We prioritize meaningful, non-addictive, family-safe content while protecting user privacy. The platform also offers Gan Jing Kids, the No. 1 safe platform for values-based learning, with age-appropriate, ad-free content across 100+ educational categories aligned with 6 expert-recommended values.
Media Contact: Nick Janicki, Director of Media Relations, Gan Jing World
Email: [email protected] | Website: www.ganjingworld.com