Anti-Bullying Week 2021: when is it, what is One Kind Word theme, what is Odd Socks Day, and activities

Anti-bullying week takes place every year in November, raising awareness of the damage bullying can do, particularly to young children in schools.

But what is the event, what does it represent and what is this year’s theme?

Here’s what you need to know.

What is Anti-Bullying week?

Anti-Bullying Week is coordinated in England and Wales by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, respectme in Scotland, and the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum in Northern Ireland.

Each organisation will be developing their own resources and activities to support the week.

When does it take place?

Anti-Bullying Week takes place from 15 to 19 November 2021.

What is this year’s theme?

This year’s theme is ‘One Kind Word’.

The Anti-Bullying Alliance website said: “Kindness is more important today than it has ever been. The isolation of the last year has underlined how little acts of consideration can break down barriers and brighten the lives of the people around us. This is one of the reasons that ‘One Kind Word’ has been chosen as the theme of Anti-Bullying Week taking place from 15 to 19 of November 2021”.

The Alliance asked over 400 young people, teachers and parents what they wanted from this year’s Anti-Bullying Week and they were told people wanted anti-bullying work to be about hope and the positive and kind things we can do “to halt hurtful behaviour in its tracks”.

How can I get involved?

The week will begin with Odd Socks Day, which is supported by CBBC and CBeebies star Andy Day and his band Andy and the Odd Socks.

It takes place on Monday 15 October 2021 and aims to highlight the week and celebrate what makes us all unique.

“All you need to do is wear odd socks!” explain the organisers.

“There is no pressure to wear the latest fashion or for parents to buy expensive costumes,” say the organisers.

“All you have to do to take part is wear odd socks to your school or workplace, it couldn’t be simpler!”

Participating schools and workplaces are encouraged to ask participants to make a £1 donation – or any donation you think appropriate – to the Anti-Bullying Alliance, but the organisers say the most important thing is the message of Odd Socks Day.

“Any money raised for us is a bonus!”

As usual, schools in England will be able to download free teaching resources and themed assemblies, geared to different key stages.

For older children, the buzz on social media is an important part of Anti-Bullying Week, and a great opportunity for schools to share with the education community how they’ve embraced the anti-bullying message with #AntiBullyingWeek hashtag.

Teachers and school staff looking to get involved with Anti Bullying Week should head to the event’s website, where they can view and download resources for free.

The website offers a social media pack that includes Facebook banners and Twitter cover images, so members of the public can also get involved.

Odd Socks Day isn’t just for schools and children, and anyone can take part at home, in school, in the community, or at work.

The Anti-Bullying Alliance have created a workplace pack which will give you everything you need to take part at work.