This November, more than 8 million children and young people across the UK are taking part in Anti-Bullying Week 2025, running from 10 to 14 November.
Coordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA), the campaign is supported by patrons Andy and the Odd Socks, and Rúben Dias, Manchester City and Portugal footballer.
This year’s theme, Power for Good, celebrates the ability we all have to stand up to bullying, spread kindness, and create safer environments for every child.
Anti-Bullying Week began with Odd Socks Day on Monday 10 November – a fun, inclusive day, led by the hugely popular Children’s TV Stars, Andy and the Odd Socks, where children and adults wear odd socks to celebrate what makes us all unique.
A national call for government action
The Anti-Bullying Alliance Advisory Group, made up of leading organisations working with children across the UK, is calling on government to take stronger national action. They are urging ministers to ensure that all schools and those working with young people receive the skills, training, and support they need to:
- Identify bullying early
- Respond effectively and sensitively
- Build inclusive cultures that prevent bullying before it starts, especially those most at risk.
The group emphasises that bullying prevention must be seen as a core part of safeguarding children and an essential part of promoting wellbeing and equal opportunities.
A week of celebration and action
Anti-Bullying Week will include:
- Odd Socks Day, encouraging individuality and kindness with a new toe tapping song from Andy and the Odd Socks
- A Parliamentary event on Wednesday 12 November bringing together MPs, Lords, ABA patrons, and young people to discuss solutions.
- The Anti-Bullying School Staff Awards, honouring staff who go above and beyond to support children.
- Free school resources for schools to embed anti-bullying messages into school life.
- Campaign activity in thousands of schools, youth settings, and homes nationwide, including events led by Young ABA, the Alliance’s youth activist group.
Bullying still affects more than one in five children every year
Despite progress, more than one in five children and young people experience bullying each year. The impact can be devastating, affecting their mental health, confidence, and ability to thrive at school, with the effects often lasting into adulthood.
Rúben Dias, Patron of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, said: “Growing up I saw abuse, exclusion and damage being caused.
“That is why being part of Anti-Bullying week matters to me. I want young people to stand up against it and help each other to be better.”
Andy Day, Andy and the Odd Socks, said: “Music and laughter can open doors to real conversations. By having fun, like Odd Socks Day, we can show that our differences are our gifts, not something to hide.
“For me, Anti-Bullying Week is more than a campaign, it’s a reminder that every child deserves to be seen, heard and safe. When I visit schools, I’m always moved by the way children come together to support each other. You can really see the Power for Good young people have when they stand up for one another.”
CHILDLINE:
- In 2024/25, Childline delivered 291 counselling sessions to young people in Scotland where their main concern was bullying – an average of 24 sessions per month.
- When contacting Childline about online bullying, young people are telling the service that they’re seeing nasty or hurtful posts about themselves, that bullying is taking place in group chats, that they’re facing peer pressure, and they’re experiencing stalking or harassment.
- When contacting Childline about other types of bullying, young people say they’re receiving verbal and/or physical bullying, being bullied about being different, being left out or excluded and being part of rumours or gossip.
Lauren Burke, Childline manager in Glasgow, said: “Bullying doesn’t always look the same – it can happen at school, at home, or through screens. But no matter the form, its impact can stay with young people for years, even into adulthood.
“Every day, Childline hears from children across Scotland who are being bullied. Anti-Bullying Week gives us a vital moment to stand together, shine a light on the issue, and show young people they’re not alone. It’s about raising awareness and making sure bullying is challenged wherever it shows up.
“Silence allows bullying to grow. By speaking up and standing beside those affected, we can help keep children safe. Childline is here around the clock – online and by phone – with trained counsellors ready to listen and support any young person, no matter what they’re going through.”
Martha Boateng, Director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, said: “With so many children turning to Childline for support, it’s clear that bullying continues to have a profound impact on young lives.
“We all have a responsibility to act, from parents and teachers to the government. This Anti-Bullying Week, we’re calling on every adult to use their power for good and help create a society where all children feel safe, respected and included.”
Rachel Talbot, 18, NSPCC Lived Experience Advocate, who grew up in Angus, said: “From the age of three, I was bullied at school — in the classroom, in the playground, and later online.
“It was relentless. I became withdrawn and anxious, and I kept waiting for someone at school to notice and act. But no one did. That silence made me feel like I didn’t matter.
“The bullying continued into secondary school, even after I moved catchment areas. I remember taking part in Odd Sock Day to celebrate difference and being bullied for that too. It only stopped when I left school. Therapy helped me rebuild my confidence and develop ways to cope, but the impact stayed with me for a long time.
“Speaking out has been a turning point. Through the NSPCC, I’ve shared my story publicly to help improve support systems for young people. I want children to know they’re not alone – and that change is possible. Childline is always there, with trained counsellors ready to listen and support anyone who feels unheard.”
Advice for parents
- Talk to Your Child: It’s important to choose the right time to talk to your child. When you do, try to stay calm, as they may be feeling scared or embarrassed. You can also let them know who they can turn to for help if they would rather speak to another adult.
- Help Them Relax: Bullying can cause children to lose confidence. Encourage them to engage in activities that make them feel good, such as listening to music, playing games, participating in sports, or joining clubs and classes.
- Arrange a Meeting: It is helpful to request a copy of the school’s or club’s anti-bullying policy. Additionally, take notes on what is discussed. This meeting is a good opportunity to ask about the actions the school plans to take and to ensure that you are satisfied with their response.
- Report Bullying: In addition to providing emotional support for your child, review their internet privacy settings to ensure they are secure and up to date. Make sure your child knows how to block accounts and report anyone who is bullying them to the relevant platform. Further advice on this can be found on the NSPCC’s online safety hub.
If your child has bullied someone, you may feel a mix of anger and disappointment. However, it’s important to help your child understand what bullying behaviour is:
- Explain Bullying: Talk to your child about the impact of bullying on others. Make sure they understand that such behaviour is unacceptable. Children don’t always realise that their actions are bullying and how much it can hurt someone else.
- Encourage Empathy: Help your child recognise the feelings of the person they have bullied. Ask them how they think the other child is feeling and encourage them to recall a time when someone was unkind to them. This can help them develop empathy for others.
- Decide Next Steps: Discuss what actions you will take next, such as informing their school, and let your child know what you expect from them moving forward. Encourage them to ask questions about why it’s important to change their behaviour.
- Monitor Your Child: Keep an eye on your child’s behaviour and maintain ongoing conversations about how they treat others. Praise them when they demonstrate positive behaviour but also reinforce your expectations when necessary.
More information and advice can be found on the NSPCC’s website for adults helping their child with bullying.
Advice for children
- Report and Block Individuals: You can report bullying on social media platforms. It’s good to make the report yourself, as this increases the likelihood that the content will be removed.
- Keep Evidence: Maintain a record of incidents, noting what happened and when. It’s also helpful to take screenshots of any online messages.
- Tell Someone: It’s important to talk to a trusted adult, such as a parent or teacher, and share the evidence of the bullying. If the bullying is occurring at your school, they have a responsibility to support you.
- Practice Assertiveness: Being assertive means standing up for yourself in a calm and confident manner, without being aggressive. This can help you feel more empowered and in control when facing bullying.
- Take a Break from Messages: It’s natural to want to see what others are saying when you’re being bullied. However, stepping away from your phone or device for a few minutes can help you feel calmer and more at ease.
More information on Childline’s advice to young people on dealing with bullying can be found here.
Snapshots from Childline counselling sessions
“I feel isolated and I’m tired of being bullied. The boy I have a crush on shared our messages with everyone in our class after I expressed my feelings for him.
“Now everyone’s making fun of me for being gay; they blocked me and kicked me out of group chats. I feel so betrayed.” – Boy, 13, Scotland
“The past few weeks I have realised that I’ve become a target of bullying, both physically and verbally. I spoke to my counsellor about it but I’m really nervous that my bullies are going to hurt me for speaking up.
“They are known to do things like this and the last person to tell someone about their behaviour got a fair beating from them and I’m worried I’m next.” – Girl, 13, Scotland
