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 13th to Friday 17th November 2023. This year’s theme is; ‘Make a Noise About Bullying’ with a message from the Anti-Bullying Alliance around why this theme was chosen below:
Too often, we are silent when we see bullying take place, silent about the hurt bullying causes, and silent when we hear bullying dismissed as ‘just banter’.
It doesn’t have to be this way.Of course, we won’t like everyone and we don’t always agree, but we can choose respect and unity.
This Anti-Bullying Week let’s come together to have discussions about what bullying means to us, how banter can turn into something more hurtful, and what we can do to stop bullying. Together, we can make a difference and take a stand against bullying.
From the playground to Parliament, and from our phones to our homes, let’s make a noise about bullying.
The theme of Make A Noise About Bullying came about following consultation with teachers and pupils by the Anti-Bullying Alliance which coordinates Anti-Bullying Week every year in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 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 2022 – 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, we can bring an end to bullying.
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 Anti-Bullying Week 2023
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 2023
If you want to get involved with Anti-Bullying Week 2023, 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.
