The Australian Men’s Team takes the #PledgeNotToSledgeOnline this Boxing Day to combat cyber-bullying
The Australian Men’s cricket team is teaming up with the Alannah & Madeline Foundation this Boxing Day Test to take the #PledgeNotToSledgeOnline and raise awareness and funds to tackle the devastation of online bullying in Australia.
The Alannah & Madeline Foundation’s research shows that kids who are bullied can suffer from depression, anxiety and other mental health issues; some may even drop out of school. The effects can last for decades.
Australian Cricketers Josh Hazlewood, Steve Smith, Pat Cummins and Tim Paine have all taken the #PledgeNotToSledgeOnline to stamp out cyber-bullying and encourage all Australians to follow suit.
Chief Executive Officer of Cricket Australia, Kevin Roberts said:
“One in five young Australians have reported being cyber bullied, which is unacceptable.
“That’s why we’re partnering with the Alannah & Madeline Foundation at the Boxing Day Test Match to raise awareness and funds to stamp out cyber-bullying.
“Words can hurt, and we know they can do life-long damage so Cricket Australia is encouraging the community to join us by taking the pledge and not to sledge online and donate to the life-changing work of the Foundation.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, Lesley Podesta said:
“This year’s Boxing Day Test is an ideal time to raise awareness and have a conversation about online bullying. With the help of Cricket Australia, we are working together to encourage better online behaviours. No one should feel unsafe.
“With great partners like Cricket Australia, we can create a safer and kinder world for our children. We’re very grateful for their leadership and support.”
Australian Cricketer, Josh Hazlewood said:
“As an Australian cricketer, being cyber bullied is unfortunately part of the territory that comes with being a player.
“I’ve seen a lot of players affected by cyber-bullying – who aren’t having the best time on the field and aren’t scoring the runs or wickets they would like – with people online expressing their own opinions and a lot of the time it’s not positive.
“My advice to kids being bullied online is to only trust the words of the people you trust, such as your family, friends or team mates.”
Donate at-match at the MCG on 27 December or online at amf.org.au/cricketdonate and help the Alannah & Madeline Foundation safeguard our children from cyber bullying.
The Alannah & Madeline Foundation
The Alannah & Madeline Foundation is one of Australia’s most respected children’s charities dedicated to providing best practice prevention and care for children and young people through evidenced-based programs. The Foundation is transforming the way society thinks about and responds to barriers to every child’s basic right to live free from violence and bullying.
