Anti-Bullying Week

Anti-bullying week is an annual event, organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA), to help schools raise awareness with children on the significance and lasting impact being bullied has on the victims.

This year’s theme is United Against Bullying. Which was derived from the help of over 300 young people and 100 teaching staff in the UK. The ABA says: “This year, more than ever, we’ve witnessed the positive power that society can have when we come together to tackle a common challenge.” The ABA also commented, “by channelling our collective power, through shared efforts and ambitions, we can reduce bullying together. From parents to carers, to teachers and politicians, to children and young people, we all have a part to play coming together to make a difference.”

Have you got your odd socks on?

To kick of anti-bullying week, Odd Socks Day is taking place on Monday 16 November. This is a great opportunity for schools to promote anti-bullying week in a fun and inclusive way, encouraging the children to all wear odd socks and celebrates individuality.

Odd Socks Day was first created in 2017 by CBeebies star Andy Day and his band the Odd Socks. The Odd Socks band are all about fun and laughter, but more importantly they deliver a message of individuality, acceptance and tolerance. Because everyone is different and that’s good!

The ABA says “It is a chance for primary schools to celebrate Anti-bullying Week in a positive way by asking pupils to wear odd socks to school. There is no pressure to wear the latest fashion or buy expensive costumes. All you have to do to take part is to wear odd socks, it could not be simpler!”

Top Tips for Anti-Bullying Week: 

1. Download and use the resources from ABA, which include lesson plans, posters, social media images and much more.
2. Share your stories on social media with the #AntiBullyingWeek or #UnitedAgainstBullying hashtags, this makes things more interactive for the children and shows parents the positive things you’re up too. (make sure to tags us in too and we’ll reshare your posts!)
3. Encourage your pupils to voice opinions on Anti-Bullying week, get them involved and get them thinking.
4. Have fun with it, this week helps raise awareness and can be an encouraging way for pupils to realise that they can speak up.

School Resources: 

Lastly, we have put together a few resources to help aid the delivery of Anti-Bullying Week in your school, see below…

• The ABA has a multitude of resources for teachers and parents alike, you can access them here.   
• These resources include Primary and Secondary School adapted packs with lots of information about what can be done at your school within this week. The ABA website also has a range of information on bullying and the best practices to report and deal with these situations.
• CBBC has a range of videos dedicated to anti-bullying week – CBBC Anti-bullying week
• Bullying UK offers a range of informative posts, you can reach them here.

“We’re all a piece in the puzzle, and together, we’re united against bullying.” (Anti-Bullying Alliance)