Stop the Hate: Sam McCarthy's message

Sam McCarthy makes up one half of the popular Kiwi pop band KidsOf88 which, over the years, has dominated radio airwaves and television screens with infectious electro-pop singles such as My House and Just a Little Bit.

He speaks out about bullying as part of our Stop The Hate campaign.

I was the skinny kid at school, but so was David Bowie.

People who are comfortable with themselves don't feel the need to bully others as they have nothing to prove.

This doesn't mean having great clothes or being the best at sports or music, it's simply knowing that although people may look different, we share the same thoughts more often than you think.

No one wants to feel attacked. The ability to communicate gives us great power, we shouldn't abuse it.

One needs to stop and consider how the other person feels and try to see things from their angle or perspective.

Get people on your side with kindness and trust, not force.

No problems are solved with bullying.