Anti-Bullying Week and World Kindness Day are annual events which take place in November, and encourage us to spread the message of kindness and tolerance.

The theme for Anti-Bullying Week 2023 is Make A Noise About Bullying The Anti-Bullying Alliance has a full programme of events and activities for the week including Odd Socks Day, a fun opportunity for children to express their individuality and Friendship Friday to celebrate positive relationships.

The theme of Make a Noise About Bullying 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 2022 – 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.

"Bullying has a long lasting effect on those who experience and witness it. But by channelling our collective power, through shared efforts and shared ambitions, we can reduce bullying together. From parents and carers, to teachers and politicians, to children and young people, we all have a part to play in coming together to make a difference."

Odd Socks Day is on Monday 13th November, the first day of Anti-Bullying Week, and we are encouraged to wear odd socks to school or work (even in the home office!) to highlight that we are all unique and to celebrate our differences. There is also a Odd Socks Song courtesy of children's TV star Andy Day and his band Andy and the Odd Socks - you can find the video, plus posters, competition details and flyers at anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week/odd-socks-day.

There are some great resources for these events, written by teachers, suitable for children in both Primary and Secondary Schools, at www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

And for information on the growing problem of cyberbullying, how it can affect kids and adults, and the ensuing mental health-related problems, visit www.broadbandsearch.net/blog/cyber-bullying-statistics. 

World Kindness Day is an internationally recognised shared event introduced by the World Kindness Movement in 1998 to highlight, unite and promote good deeds within the community and in day to day life.

There are many ways to take part and schools and community groups across the country will be holding special events including making kindness cards and encouraging random acts of kindness. In the past Kindness UK has handed out 10,000 free chocolate bars at London Train stations and encouraged a Text Wave that swept through the country. 
You can find out what's planned for this year at kindnessuk.com & perhaps plan your own act of kindness!

Celebrate Friendship Friday with Kidscape and Elmer on Friday 19th - download a special Kindness Pack 2023 here and you can also find resources, videos and online activities on Being a Good Friend, Telling Tales and What Makes a Good Friend. www.kidscape.org.uk

Scroll down for a selection of books that tackle both the theme of bullying and also stories about kindness and kind acts, plus we have also a large collection of books that focus on Friends & Friendships.

Anti-Bullying Week runs from from Monday 13th - Friday 17th November 2022.

Follow the Anti-Bullying Alliance @ABAonline

#UnitedAgainstBullying   #AntiBullyingWeek #ReachOut #OddSocksDay

World Kindness Day is Sunday 13th November.

And @TeamKindnessUK

#SpreadTheKindness