Get ready for Anti-Bullying Week 2025: how your school or youth setting can get involved

This year, Anti-Bullying Week runs from Monday 10th to Friday 14th November, with Odd Socks Day kicking things off on the Monday. Our theme, “Power for Good”, reminds us that each of us holds the power to make a difference: to stand up for others, to speak out, and to build a culture of respect and inclusion wherever we are.

Why this campaign matters

We know that bullying continues to affect far too many children and young people across the UK. Our research shows that roughly one child in every classroom experience bullying every day, and around 17% have been bullied online. It can damage wellbeing, friendships, attendance and even future opportunities, and we want that to change.

The good news? When schools take a whole-setting approach and empower pupils to act, bullying can be reduced, and wellbeing does improve. That’s exactly what Anti-Bullying Week is all about, creating a moment in the year when communities unite, talk openly, and take action.

What’s already happening

2025 is already shaping up to be a huge year for Anti-Bullying Week.

We launched the “Power for Good” theme back in May, developed with our brilliant group of young activists, the Young Anti-Bullying Alliance. In June, we ran our Team Talk Challenge with footballer and ABA patron Rúben Dias, inviting young people aged 13–16 to create motivational videos about using their power for good. 

In August we released this year’s official Anti-Bullying Week merchandise, and in September our brand-new school and youth setting packs went live. If you’ve not downloaded them yet, everything you need is ready and waiting for free on our website, from assembly plans and lessons to films, posters, social media toolkits and even Odd Socks Day resources.

What’s in the free resource pack?

Every school and youth setting has access to a full pack that includes:

• A 20-minute assembly plan
• Two 60-minute lessons or activity plans
• Cross-curricular ideas linked to English, RSHE, Drama, PE, Art and Science
• Films and ready-made resources to download and share

All of this is completely free of charge, thanks to fundraising support, we don’t receive funding for Anti-Bullying Week, so every donation or Odd Socks Day collection helps keep it going.

We’ve also mapped every resource to the curriculums for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and for schools in Wales we’ll soon be releasing packs for schools in Wales in both English and Welsh Mediums (with thanks to the Welsh Government).

And we haven’t forgotten families! Our Parent and Carer Pack offers conversation starters and practical guidance to help adults talk to children about bullying at home.

Monday: Odd Socks Day and social media buzz

Let’s start the week with a splash of colour, and a bit of fun. Odd Socks Day is all about celebrating what makes us unique. Everyone can take part: children, staff, parents, and even pets! There’s no need for costumes or expense, just wear odd socks and spread the message that it’s great to be different.

Our Odd Socks Day co-creator and patron, Andy Day (from CBeebies and Andy and the Odd Socks), has recorded a brand-new song for this year, “Power for Good”, and it’s guaranteed to get your pupils singing and dancing. You can find the music video and full Odd Socks Day pack on our website.

We’d love to see your photos, too! Share them on social media using #OddSocksDay and #AntiBullyingWeek, and you could even win a visit from Andy Day himself. Don’t forget our #PetsInOddSocks competition either, we’ve seen everything from hamsters to horses rocking odd socks, and it’s always a highlight of the week.

If your school can, consider fundraising, even £1 per pupil can make a big difference. But remember, participation is for everyone, whether or not you fundraise.

Tuesday to Friday: keep the momentum going

Throughout the week, there are plenty of ways to join in and explore this year’s theme:

• Tuesday: Encourage pupils to make their own #PowerForGood pledges — personal promises about how they’ll use their influence to stand up for others. Templates are included in your pack, and you can share pledges online to inspire others.
• Wednesday: Take part in our online conversation about what it means to use your power for good — both online and offline. Discuss with your pupils: What would they do if they saw bullying? How can they support someone safely?
• Thursday: Join us at 4pm for our United Against Bullying online event, where schools share inspiring examples of what’s working to reduce bullying. It’s completely free to attend and full of practical ideas you can take back to your setting.
• Friday: Celebrate everything you’ve achieved during the week, and remind pupils that tackling bullying doesn’t stop here. It’s something we can all commit to all year round.

Keep the momentum going all year round

Anti-Bullying Week is just the beginning. There are so many ways to keep up the good work:

• Become an ABA member: Join our national network of schools and organisations working to end bullying. Members get access to exclusive resources, training, and a special logo to show their commitment.
• Join our United Against Bullying (UAB) programme: A structured, evaluated approach to improving your whole-school culture. Sign up before the end of October for a discount and free ABA membership.
• Take part in online CPD training: Our CPD-certified online courses build confidence and consistency across your team, covering topics from recognising bullying to supporting children targeted because of difference.
• Explore our resource library: Thousands of free, high-quality tools, guidance notes, films and lesson ideas are available on our website, everything you need to strengthen your anti-bullying practice.
• Join our live CPD training on Friday 14th November: A brilliant way to round off the week, gain practical skills and earn a certificate for your professional development.

Partnerships and special projects

We’re thrilled to be working again with the Welsh Government, ensuring that schools across Wales have access to bilingual materials.

And we’re teaming up with some brilliant partners including BBC Teach, Twinkl, Votes for Schools, and Jigsaw Education Group, all creating free resources aligned to our theme. BBC Teach will even be hosting a live lesson during Anti-Bullying Week, so mark that in your calendars!

Show your support

We rely on generous donations to help us bring you Anti-Bullying Week for free each year, and we need your help to continue. You can also show your support by ordering our official Anti-Bullying Week merchandise, from wristbands and stickers to T-shirts. Every item helps spread the message and funds the campaign so we can keep producing free resources year after year. But stock sells out fast, so get your orders in early!

And if you’re feeling creative, why not hold a small fundraising event? We’ve seen bake sales, sock-knitting challenges and even readathons! Every pound raised helps us continue our vital work and anyone raising over £50 receives a Fundraising Hero certificate. We've got lots of ideas! 

Final tips for schools

A few final thoughts as you get ready:

• Involve your pupils in planning and leading activities, they have the best ideas and it helps them feel ownership of the week.
• Be mindful that Anti-Bullying Week can be difficult for children who’ve experienced bullying. Deliver sessions sensitively and check in with those who might need extra support.
• Read through resources in advance to make sure they suit your pupils and adapt examples where needed.
• And most importantly, remind everyone how and where to report bullying, and that there are trusted adults ready to listen.

Let’s use our Power for Good

Anti-Bullying Week is one of the most uplifting moments in the year for us at the Anti-Bullying Alliance, because it’s a moment when we see the creativity, compassion and commitment of educators and young people shining through.

Together, we can make a real difference. Together, we can use our Power for Good, and end bullying, for good.

Visit www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/antibullyingweek to download your free resources, order your merchandise, and start planning your week.