Let’s ‘Make a Noise’ about bullying this Anti-Bullying Week
- ‘Make a Noise’ announced as theme for Anti-Bullying Week 2022 taking place from 13th to 17th November 2023.
- The week will begin with Odd Socks Day supported by CBBC and CBeebies star Andy Day and his band Andy and the Odd Socks.
- Anti-Bullying Week is coordinated in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by the Anti-Bullying Alliance and is expected to reach over three-quarters of schools, over 7.5 million children and many celebrities and influencers.
Bullying affects millions of young lives. 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.
This is one of the reasons, that ‘Make A Noise About Bullying’ has been chosen as the theme of Anti-Bullying Week 2023 taking place from 13th to 17th of November.
The theme came about following consultation with teachers and pupils by the Anti-Bullying Alliance which coordinates Anti-Bullying Week every year in England, Wales and (for the first time) Northern Ireland.
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.
As usual, schools will be able to download free teaching resources and themed assemblies. These will focus on the activities we can take to encourage young people to consider what bullying means to us, how banter can turn into something more hurtful, and what we can do to stop bullying.
Anti-Bullying Alliance patron, CBBC and CBeebies star Andy Day is leading celebrity support for the campaign, with his band Andy and the Odd Socks. The band will record and release a toe-tapping song to mark Odd Socks Day on the first day of Anti-Bullying Week. There’s a serious message behind the fun: let’s pull on odd socks to show we’re ALL unique and different, and let’s be kind to each other and respect each other’s individuality.
For older children, the buzz on social media is an important part of Anti-Bullying Week, and a great opportunity for schools to share how they’ve embraced the anti-bullying message. It’s easy to get involved via #AntiBullyingWeek and #MakeANoise on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Twitter.
Martha Evans, Director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance said:
“This Anti-Bullying Week we urge adults and children alike to come together to have discussions about what we mean by bullying behaviour, how we can tell the difference between ‘banter’ and bullying and how we can make changes to reduce bullying. Together, we can make a difference if we make a noise to stop bullying.”
- For more details about Anti-Bullying Week visit the Anti-Bullying Alliance’s website.
- You can keep informed and support Anti-Bullying Week by becoming a member of the Anti-Bullying Alliance.
- Follow us on Twitter via @ABAonline.
Notes
About Anti-Bullying Week
Anti-Bullying Week is organised by:
- The Anti-Bullying Alliance in England, Northern Ireland and Wales
- respectme, Scotland’s anti-bullying agency