Change starts with us

The annual awareness campaign ‘Anti-Bullying Week’ (11 to 15 November 2019), this year aims to emphasise the part we all have to play in reducing bullying both on and offline.

The campaign is run by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, part of the National Children’s Bureau, and in 2018 it reached 80% of schools, bringing information and teaching resources to both primary and secondary classes across the country.

Whether it is verbal, physical, online or in-person, bullying has a significant impact on a child’s life well into adulthood.  By making small, simple changes, the Anti-Bullying Alliance, with support from O2, wants to highlight how this cycle can be broken and a safer environment created for everyone.

Martha Evans is Director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, she said: “Children and young people tell us time and time again how being bullied can leave them feeling powerless. Our consultation with pupils and teachers showed us that we can all make changes to be part of the solution.  Whether it’s speaking to someone we trust when bullying happens to us, or calling it out if we suspect it’s happening to someone else, we can all work together for a solution.”

Anti-Bullying Week also now incorporates Odd Socks Day, backed by Anti-Bullying Alliance patron and CBeebies presenter, Andy Day with support from SafeToNet. Primary school children are encouraged to wear odd socks on the Tuesday of Anti-Bullying Week in recognition and acceptance of the differences that make us all individuals.

“We are asking children to get creative with their footwear on Odd Socks Day and show they are celebrating what makes us all unique,” said Andy.

This is just one of the ways the National Children’s Bureau is championing children’s right to be safe, secure and supported and helping adults who work with them, such as their teachers, to do the best job possible.  To find out more, visit www.ncb.org.uk. To find out more about Anti-Bullying Week visit www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk