Essendon Football Club is proud to formally announce its partnership with Bully Zero Australia Foundation.
Essendon is supporting the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence on Friday March 21, which coincides with the club’s Round 1 clash against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.
In the build up to Friday, Essendon players have taken part in a number of meaningful activities to help create awareness and support for victims of bullying.
A key program supporting this initiative is the Essendon Football Club’s school program On the Ball, which addresses the growing issue of cyber bullying.
Bully Zero Australia Foundation Ambassador Cale Hooker said a zero tolerance approach to bullying in schools, the workplace and online is needed in the fight against bullying.
“It’s time to give bullying the boot,” Hooker said.
“This is a cause the players are all committed to and Bully Zero Australia Foundation is doing some great work in the community supporting victims of bullying.”
“As players and role models in the community, we know the positive impact we can have on young people and teenagers to help them make good decisions and engage in healthy online relationships”
“1 in 5 people are affected by the posting of hateful remarks on social media and there is very little accountability.”
“The more we can do to help educate people about the impact of bullying the better,” Hooker said.
The Bully Zero Australia Foundation 48 hour Digital Detox will also launch on Friday March 21 as a preventative approach to addressing cyber issues.
Essendon players David Zaharakis, Michael Hibberd and Jake Melksham recently attended Essendon Keilor College to help promote the initiative and the importance of safety online via social media channels.
Channel 7’s Friday night broadcast will feature a special presentation from Essendon players to a group of young supporters about bullying and the importance of looking after your mates and showing genuine care each other.
Bully Zero Australia Foundation aims to create permanent positive change by providing genuine and enduring care for bullying victims and their families.
Essendon coaches and officials will wear orange pins to promote and support the Bully Zero Australia Foundation on Friday night.
