Young Anti-Bullying Alliance (YABA)

Support the Young ABA:

We're currently seeking funding to continue the vital work of our Young Anti-Bullying Alliance group. If you're part of an organisation interested in supporting youth-led anti-bullying initiatives and making a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Please get in touch with us at [email protected] to explore how you can help.

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What is Young ABA?

The Young Anti-Bullying Alliance (YABA) is a powerful, youth leadership programme of 13 to 17-year-olds who are standing up to bullying and shaping a kinder, more inclusive future. Working alongside the Anti-Bullying Alliance, these young people bring their lived experiences, passion, and ideas to the heart of our national anti-bullying work across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

YABA members co-create campaigns like Anti-Bullying Week, develop resources for schools and peers, and ensure that the voices of young people, especially those who have been marginalised or affected by bullying, are heard where it matters most. They are not just participants; they are leaders, change-makers, and a vital part of the solution.

YABA meet bi-monthly (excluding school holidays) with the Anti-Bullying Staff Team. The young people are involved in the group for one year (until December). 

Why is it important?

YABA is vital because it empowers young people to take a leading role in tackling bullying while promoting kindness, inclusion, and respect. YABA provides a platform for those affected to share their experiences, ideas, and solutions, ensuring our work is shaped by the voices that matter most. By placing young people at the centre, we keep our anti-bullying efforts relevant, meaningful, and impactful.

Since launching in 2022, YABA members have helped shape key resources for the anti-bullying sector, including training and guidance for teachers, intervention tools for young people, and national campaign content for Anti-Bullying Week. a major annual event led by the Anti-Bullying Alliance that reaches millions of children and young people across the country.

YABA also builds confidence, leadership, and a deep sense of belonging, helping young people become powerful agents of change in creating safer, more inclusive communities where every child can thrive.

Who can join?

We have 2 YABA groups, one for England and Wales, and one for Northern Ireland. However, both groups will work together throughout the year. The groups consist of 25 young people aged 13-18 from across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, nominated by their school or setting because of an interest in raising awareness of bullying, and learning about developing campaigns.

When it is time for us to take on a new group, we reach out to schools and other settings or groups in our network and ask them to put forward young people who show an interest in joining YABA. We ask for a maximum of 3 young people nominations per school or setting to ensure we have representation from a wide variety of locations.

If you are a school or setting in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, who would like to find out more about nominating a pupil or pupils to join this year's groups, please email [email protected].