Essendon Football Club was proud to join its community partner Bully Zero Australia Foundation to launch its new national hotline 1800 0BULLY.

Midfielder David Zaharakis was among a number of high-profile athletes and Bully Zero Australia Foundation ambassadors who attended the launch

Zaharakis has been at the forefront of educating school students on the impact bullying - in particular cyber bullying - has on victims.

The 24-year-old has urged anyone who is being bullied to contact the new hotline 1800 0BULLY.

“The new Bully Zero hotline is a fantastic service for people to turn to if they need help or advice on what to do if they are being bullied,” Zaharakis said.

“I’ve spent time talking to school students and educating them around the impact bullying, especially bullying on social media, can have on people.

“Education is an extremely important part of the work Oscar Yildiz and his team at Bully Zero Australian Foundation do, but to have the new hotline available is a great way for people to reach out and get the help they need.”

Bully Zero Australia Foundation CEO Oscar Yildiz thanked the Essendon Football Club for its continued support and promotion of the new hotline.

“Bullying in Australia is a serious problem, 1 in 5 people experience some form of bullying and it has a profound effect on all aspects of a person's health, productivity, family life, peace of mind and can lead to severe psychological and emotional problems,” Yildiz said.

“I’d like to thank the Essendon Football Club for promoting the work we do here at the Bully Zero Australia Foundation.”

“People like David Zaharakis and Bully Zero ambassador Cale Hooker are not only important role models, but the work they are doing to educate people on the impacts of bullying is extremely powerful and most importantly, making a difference.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, head to the Bully Zero Australia Foundation webpage or call 1800 0BULLY to receive advice.