'Make A Noise About Bullying' has been announced as the theme for Anti-Bullying Week 2023 taking place from 13th-17th November.
- 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.
Anti-Bullying Week 2023 theme launch video
The theme came about following consultation with teachers and pupils by the Anti-Bullying Alliance which coordinates Anti-Bullying Week in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Young ABA especially wanted a theme that empowered them to raise their voices.
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, let’s make a noise about bullying.
As usual, schools will be able to download free teaching resources and themed assemblies. These will focus on the actions we can all take, to come together and 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 (Monday 13th November) 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.
“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.”
Martha Evans
Director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance
ENDS
Notes to editors
For further information, please contact the National Children’s Bureau media office: [email protected] / [email protected] / 07721 097 033.
For urgent enquiries out of office-hours call: 07721 097 033.
About Anti-Bullying Week
Anti-Bullying Week is organised by:
- The Anti-Bullying Alliance in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- respectme, Scotland’s anti-bullying agency
Each organisation will be developing their own resources and activity to support the week.
About the Anti-Bullying Alliance
Anti-Bullying Week is coordinated in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by the Anti-Bullying Alliance. We are a unique coalition of organisations and individuals, working together to achieve our vision to: stop bullying and create safer environments in which children and young people can live, grow, play and learn. We are part of the National Children’s Bureau. We are united against bullying.
For more information visit: www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk
About the National Children’s Bureau
For more than 50 years, the National Children’s Bureau has worked to champion the rights of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families. As a leading children’s charity, we take the voices of children to the heart of Government, bringing people and organisations together to drive change in society and deliver a better childhood for the UK. We are united for a better childhood.
For more information visit www.ncb.org.uk