The annual celebration takes place in November, but planning can begin now with resources and support available for schools.
The week is organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the theme has been selected after consultation with teachers and pupils.
In a statement this week, the ABA said: “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.”
Meanwhile, Anti-Bullying Week in Scotland is organised by RespectMe, Scotland’s anti-bullying agency and will take the theme of “Listen up – respect our rights).
Schools will be able to download free ABA teaching resources and themed assemblies and lesson plans to support their activities during the week. These will focus on activities to encourage young people to consider what bullying means to us, how banter can turn into something more hurtful, and what we can do to stop bullying.
As ever, the week will also feature Odd Socks Day, when pupils are encouraged to wear odd socks to show that everyone is different and to help deliver messages of respect.
Martha Evans, director of the ABA, said: “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.”
- Anti-Bullying Week 2023 will take place from November 13 to 17. For details, visit https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week-2023-make-noise-about-bullying
- For more information on the week in Scotland, visit https://respectme.org.uk/