NRL 'Tackle Bullying' campaign endorsed by US and Australian experts

Having reached 100,000 school children in recent weeks through the game's annual Community Carnival, the NRL's 'Tackle Bullying' campaign has been endorsed by leading anti-bullying groups in the US and Australia.

The National Bullying Prevention Centre in the US and the Alannah and Madeline Foundation in Melbourne have this week endorsed the campaign, which launched new educational resources aimed at children, teachers and parents to help empower students to cope with difficult social situations.

The endorsements come as five clubs including the Sharks, Dragons, Raiders, Panthers and Warriors prepared to take the 'Tackle Bullying' message to more than 10,000 school children in regional NSW and Queensland as well as Hamilton and Christchurch in New Zealand.

The initiative uses Ambassadors and current stars from all 16 NRL Clubs to empower children on how to 'tackle bullying' through the delivery of resources developed by the NRL in conjunction with the Australian Catholic University (ACU).

In the USA, the National Bullying Prevention Centre in Minnesota also uses events, activities, outreach and education to raise awareness of bullying prevention and last year over two million people in nearly 200 countries used their resources and web-based tools to take action.

National Bullying Prevention Centre Director Julie Hertzog said she was impressed by the NRL program, stating "it is important that bullying is talked about beyond the educational setting, as it doesn't just happen in schools.

"It occurs in the community, through technology and on the field so when sporting teams take a lead in showing that the issue is important, it shows students that people in the community care and that they aren't alone."?

Alannah and Madeline Foundation Chief Executive Dr Judith Slocombe added that the organisation had begun discussions with the NRL, stating "we are thrilled that the NRL is taking on such a big issue and to be working with an organisation that has such a big voice with children.

"The impact the NRL and its players have as role models on young children is really powerful."?

The Alannah and Madeleine Foundation is a national charity protecting children from violence and its devastating effects, as well as playing an advocacy role and a voice against childhood violence.

Welcoming the endorsements, NRL Community, Culture and Diversity interim General Manager Mark Deweerd concluded "to receive the endorsement and recognition we have from such well respected organisations and experts in this area, is a real honour and reinforces that our program does make a difference to people's lives.

"We are very proud of our Tackle Bullying program and the feedback we have received since launching the first stage of it last year with our powerful DVD resource."?