BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – GromSocial.com, the website creation of Brevard County whiz kid Zach Marks, has recruited pop singer Kendall Schmidt to chat with young people who are victims of bullying.
[WEB EXTRA: Visit GromSocial.com]
Schmidt, best known for his work with the pop group Big Time Rush, is the first celebrity to join the kids-only website.
In a satellite interview with Local 6, Schmidt admitted he was bullied as a kid so he understands how painful it can be.
Schmidt's latest single, "Parallel," is being featured on GromSocial.com to offer a message he hopes kids can relate to.
"In music I think it's important to take what message you want from it and this (song) has a universal message feeling like things are going to turn out right, Schmidt said. "I feel like it lines up perfectly with what they're doing."
Marks, who turns 14 this weekend, says his website has become a global hit with nearly half a million members around the globe.
He is hoping to add more celebrities to the anti-bullying team.
"I just think what's special about is it's created by kids for kids," he said.
The website offers video clips, entertainment news and unique video games.
The entire Marks family is involved in the website, handling everything from security to content.
The family has created avatar alter egos and have added Schmidt to the lineup as Kendall Knight.
"I just wanted to do something where I could hopefully encourage kids not to do that or if they are being picked on that have an actual place to go and discuss it."
Marks says his website already has members in an estimated 200 countries and territories.
There are no fees to join the website and no limit to how many members can become part of the Grom family.