‘Reach out’ announced as theme for Anti-Bullying Week 2022 taking place from 14th to 18th November 2022.
- 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 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 and can leave us feeling hopeless. But it doesn’t have to be this way. If we challenge it, we can change it. And it starts by reaching out.
This is one of the reasons, that ‘Reach Out’ has been chosen as the theme of Anti-Bullying Week 2022 taking place from 14 to 18 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 and Wales. Teachers and children wanted a theme that empowered them to do something positive to counter the harm and hurt that bullying causes.
Following the success of the campaign in 2021 – 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 reach out and show each other the support we need.
As usual, schools will be able to download free teaching resources and themed assemblies. These will focus on the activities we can all take, to reach out 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 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 #ReachOut on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Twitter.
Martha Evans, Director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance said:
Children and young people need to know there is help out there if they are being bullied. It starts by reaching out to someone you trust if you need to talk. Reaching out to someone you know is being bullied. Reaching out to consider a new approach.
And it doesn’t stop with young people. From teachers to parents and influencers to politicians, we all have a responsibility to help each other reach out. Together, let’s be the change we want to see. Reflect on our own behaviour, set positive examples and create kinder communities.
- 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.
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 and Wales
- respectme, Scotland’s anti-bullying agency
- The Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum in Northern Ireland
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 and Wales 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