Anti-Bullying Week: One Kind Word

Taking place from the 15^th to the 19^th of November 2021, Anti-Bullying Week is an annual UK event which aims to raise awareness of bullying, as well as highlighting ways of preventing and responding to it. The event is organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, a network of more than 100 member organisations all united against bullying; this year, they have chosen the theme “One Kind Word”, emphasising the positive impact a small gesture or comment can have on someone else’s day.

More than 400 young people, parents, and teachers were asked what they wanted from this year’s Anti-Bullying Week, and the answer was that they wanted it to be about hope, the positive and kind things we can do to combat bullying, and how we can spread more kindness. To kick off the Anti-Bullying Week with this message in mind, Odd Socks Day was held on the 15^th of November to help us recognise that everyone is unique and different, deserving of kindness and respect. Many schools in the UK took part and posted the results of Odd Socks Day on Twitter!

In addition to this, the Anti-Bullying Alliance patron, CBBC and CBeebies star Andy Day, released a song to celebrate Odd Socks Day with his band called Andy and the Odd Socks; the official video is linked below and can be played through Apple Music and Spotify too!

The Anti-Bullying Alliance worked with Kidscape and SafeToNet in order to develop a tool for parents and carers to help them support their children; the pack can be downloaded HERE for more information. The organisation further went to primary and secondary schools, worked with other 300 young people and 100 members of school staff, and developed a film to raise awareness for Anti-Bullying Week. Watch the films below and see how everyone is united against bullying!

If you feel that you are not sure how to take the theme of “One Kind Word” and apply it in your daily life, then read this call to action created by the Anti-Bullying Alliance official website for some ideas:

• “Ask if someone’s OK. Say you’re sorry. Just say hey.”
• “In a world that can sometimes feel like it’s filled with negativity, one kind word can provide a moment of hope. It can be a turning point. It can change someone’s perspective. It can change their day. It can change the course of a conversation and break the cycle of bullying.”
• “Best of all, one kind word leads to another. Kindness fuels kindness. So from the playground to Parliament, and from our phones to our homes, together, our actions can fire a chain reaction that powers positivity.”
• “It starts with one kind word. It starts today.”

For more information on Anti-Bullying Week videos, packs, and resources, click HERE; remember, it is not your fault for being in a position where you may be feeling bullied. Call the helpline on 0808 800 2222 for any advice and guidance on what you could do to prevent and how to respond to the bullying. We are all united to help spread kindness, so become a part of that movement and raise awareness against bullying with your friends and family!