What is Anti-Bullying Week?
Anti-Bullying Week is an annual campaign coordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance which this year takes place between Monday 14th – Friday 18th November 2022. This year’s theme is; ‘Reach Out’ with a message from the Anti-Bullying Alliance around why this theme was chosen below:
Bullying affects millions of lives and can leave us feeling hopeless. But it doesn’t have to be this way. If we challenge it, we can change it. And it starts by reaching out.
Whether it’s in school, at home, in the community or online, let’s reach out and show each other the support we need. Reach out to someone you trust if you need to talk. Reach out to someone you know is being bullied. Reach out and consider a new approach.
And it doesn’t stop with young people. From teachers to parents and influencers to politicians, we all have a responsibility to help each other reach out. Together, let’s be the change we want to see. Reflect on our own behaviour, set positive examples and create kinder communities.
It takes courage, but it can change lives. So, this Anti-Bullying Week, let’s come together and reach out to stop bullying.
The theme of Reach Out came about following consultation with teachers and pupils by the Anti-Bullying Alliance which coordinates Anti-Bullying Week every year in England and Wales. Teachers and children wanted a theme that empowered them to do something positive to counter the harm and hurt that bullying causes. Following the success of the campaign in 2021 – when 80% of schools marked the week, reaching over 7.5 million children and young people – Anti-Bullying Week will remind everyone whether it’s in school, at home, in the community or online, let’s reach out and show each other the support we need.
If you are unsure of what the definition of bullying is, then click here to find out from the Anti-Bullying Alliance.
However bullying does not only happen among young people, many people experience bullying in their workplaces and adults, as well as young people, can experience cyber bullying. Bullying comes in many different forms and can happen to anyone.
How to Reach Out in Ant-Bullying Week 2022
As usual, schools will be able to download free teaching resources and themed assemblies, these are available on the Anti-Bullying Alliance website and will focus on the activities we can all take, to reach out and stop bullying.
Young people (or their parents) can get support around bullying either online from websites such as; Anti-Bullying Alliance, Family Lives and NHS or young people can also get telephone and online support from Childline around bullying and how this makes you feel by calling: 0800 1111 or visiting their website here.
Adults can get support from ACAS if they are being bullied in the workplace either by accessing useful information on ACAS‘ website or by contacting them on: 0300 123 1100 for support. For emotional support around bullying and the effects it has, adults can contact the Samaritans for free on: 116123.
You can also check out the Anti-Bullying Alliance video below for more tips on reaching out.
How to get involved in Anti-Bullying Week 2022
If you want to get involved with Anti-Bullying Week 2022, whether this is something you want to do on your own, in your workplace or school, visit Anti-Bullying Alliance‘s website for how you can do this.
