Prior to forming Bully Zero, Ali Halkic’s cherished son, Allem, fell victim to cruel and relentless cyberbullying. The torment and suffering for Allem was too great to bear, and in the early hours of a morning in February 2009, Allem tragically took his own life.

Allem’s death was incomprehensible. The loss was overwhelming to his family and friends. Because of this terrible tragedy, Ali and a small group of dedicated parents who had experienced their own tragic loss, worked tirelessly to set up a new organisation with the belief that no parent should have to bury a child as a consequence of such insidious behaviour. Shortly after, Bully Zero Australia Foundation was founded and officially launched in 2013.

Bully Zero is now Australia’s leading bullying prevention charity, working to prevent and reduce bullying through evidence-based education, advocacy and support for all communities across Australia.

Offering programs to schools, parents, community groups and workplaces, to date Bully Zero has presented to over 400,000 parents, children, teachers and employees throughout Australia.

With media support from Ten News, Sky News, ABC, The Project and more, Bully Zero has dedicated almost ten years to raising awareness about this important issue, achieving many successful milestones along the way including launching a National Bullying Helpline, the No More Harm Conference and National Bullying Prevention Week.

Over the years Bully Zero overcame many challenges, most recently being the hurdles presented by the Covid-19 pandemic. As lockdowns, increased screen time, isolation and unease started to take its toll on the community, Australia saw a 40 per cent increase in all forms of online harm, including a 21 per cent increase in youth-based cyberbullying.

Bully Zero faced a serious challenge in offering much-needed education and support at this time as many schools closed, causing cancellations of Bully Zero programs at a time when young people needed them most. The organisation quickly adapted its programs to online delivery and continues to work diligently towards empowering and uplifting young people and adults across Australia.

Bully Zero remains steadfast in its mission to make a significant positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of the Australian community, with an ultimate goal of suicide prevention.

With a Facilitator network now spanning across 6 states and territories, an ever-growing family of Ambassadors and Volunteers and a long list of corporate partners and donors; Bully Zero continues to play a crucial part in creating an Australia where everyone feels safe, valued and respected.

To find out more about Bully Zero, visit bullyzero.org.au