Anti-Bullying Week 2023
No-one likes bullies. And Anti-Bullying Week is a specific time each November that raises awareness of the damage that bullying can cause and seeks to stamp it out. It’s a dedicated time to engage schools and communities into conversation around stopping bullying and the issues that arise around it. If you’d like to make a difference when it comes to anti-bullying, you can start a GoFundMe for charities in the anti-bullying alliance like Barnardo’s or the NSPCC.
History of Anti-Bullying Week
The first ever anti-bullying week was held in 2004 and has taken place annually, usually in the third week of November, since then. The theme around Anti-Bullying week changes every year – from ‘Let’s stop bullying for all’ in 2014 which focussed on highlighting the disproportionate amount of bullying which happens to disabled or SEN children, to the Change Starts With Us in 2019. You can read more about the history of Anti-Bullying week here.
The aim of Anti-Bullying Week
The aim of Anti-Bullying week is to raise awareness of bullying and the massive effect it can have on people, with the aim to stop it. It’s a dedicated week in November that takes place in schools and community settings to highlight ways that bullying can be prevented. The overall aim is to foster a safer environment for children overall. 80% of schools in the UK take part in the week.
The impact of bullying in the UK
The impact of bullying can reach far and wide in negatively impacting a child’s life. According to stats from the Anti-Bullying Alliance, one child in every classroom is bullied, with 30% of children bullied in the last year and 17% bullied online. Research shows that children who are bullied are more likely to experience a range of mental health issues.
How to get involved with Anti-Bullying Week
So, if you’d like to get involved in Anti-Bullying week, there are a range of ways that you can get involved and make a difference.
Make a noise about bullying
The theme for Anti-Bullying week 2023 is to Make a Noise about Bullying – basically, have a chat with your friends, family, work colleagues, neighbours about how hurtful bullying can be and how banter can turn into something more hurtful.
Participate in Odd Socks Day
Anti-Bullying week is kicked off by Odd Socks Day on Monday November 13th, where everyone is encouraged to wear odd socks to celebrate what makes us all unique. It’s an easy way to show your support to anti-bullying. Encourage your friends, family, kids to show their odd socks proudly.
Donate to an anti-bullying charity
If you’d like to throw your support behind anti-bullying this awareness week, there are plenty of charities you can donate to which can help. Several charities are part of the Anti-Bullying Alliance such as Barnardo’s, Changing Faces and the NSPCC – and you can donate to these via GoFundMe.
Start a fundraiser for Anti-Bullying Week
If you’ve been inspired to take it one step further and start fundraising for Anti-Bullying week, it couldn’t be easier to get started. Start a GoFundMe for your chosen charity and get sharing on social media, email, with your friends and colleagues to get those donations rolling in. There’s plenty of things you can do to fundraise – from getting donations for wearing your odd socks to coffee mornings and sporting challenges. Have a look at our fundraising ideas here for even more inspiration and good luck!