anti-bullying week 2025; let's use our power for good

Bullying remains a serious issue affecting millions of young people worldwide. Anti-bullying Week 2025 offers a vital opportunity to raise awareness, promote kindness, and create safer environments for everyone.

what is anti-bullying week?

From Monday 10 to Friday 14 November 2025, Anti-Bullying Week is taking place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, coordinated by the Anti‑Bullying Alliance (ABA). It’s a whole-week campaign designed to shine a spotlight on bullying: how it happens, the impact it has, and what each of us can do to stop it.

this year's theme: “Power for Good”

This year the theme is “Power for Good”. The idea is simple but powerful: every person (young or older, at home, in school, at work, online) has the ability to make a positive difference. Bullying often thrives in silence or inaction; this theme invites us all to use our voice, our actions and our influence to challenge bullying, support those being targeted, and build kinder, more inclusive communities. By shifting the focus from “what to avoid” to “what we can actively do”, “Power for Good” emphasises empowerment, kindness and action.

why it matters

Bullying affects many children and young people, often in ways that are hidden but long-lasting. Whether it’s verbal, social, physical or online, the damage can ripple out: lowering confidence, harming wellbeing, isolating individuals, affecting learning and life chances. Anti-Bullying Week gives us a moment of collective focus: a chance for schools, community groups, families and individuals to pause, reflect, and think about our individual and collective actions.

ideas for children and young people to use their Power for Good

• Say something kind to at least one person each day — even small compliments make a big difference.

• Include someone who looks left out, whether in conversation, group work or games.

• Be an up-stander, not a bystander — if you see unkind behaviour, speak up or tell a trusted adult.

• Share positive messages online and avoid spreading rumours or negativity.

• Check in on a friend who seems quiet, upset or isolated.

• Celebrate differences — be curious, not judgemental, about what makes people unique.

• Help someone with their bag, books, homework or finding where they need to go.

• Listen carefully when someone is talking — everyone deserves to feel heard.

• Praise effort in others (“You tried really hard!”) rather than focusing on mistakes.

• Use encouraging language — swap criticism for support.

• Invite others to join in, especially those who might not ask themselves.

• Stay aware online — pause before posting, and ask “Is this kind? Is this true? Is this needed?”

• Stand with someone, even quietly — sit next to them, walk with them, show they’re not alone.

• Practice self-kindness too — being good to yourself makes it easier to be good to others.

• Take responsibility for your actions; apologise sincerely when needed.

• Share your talents — help someone with something you’re good at.

• Model respectful behaviour so others can see what “good” looks like.

• Choose empathy — imagine how someone else might feel before reacting.

• Express gratitude — thank someone daily.

• Spread positivity — smile, hold doors open, leave uplifting notes.

key activities at asphaleia

Here are some of the central activities we're doing at asphaleia during the week:

• Odd Socks Day (Monday 10 Nov) – The week kicks off with a fun but meaningful activity: staff and young people were invited to wear odd socks to celebrate what makes us all unique.

• Teaching & learning resources – Tutors are utilizing some of the resources shared by ABA in lessons. These help embed the “Power for Good” message through discussion, reflection, and creativity.

• Online and social media presence – We're sharing our involvement in the week on our social media channels to help spread the word and encourage kindness everywhere.

final thoughts

Anti-Bullying Week is an invitation to us all each year — young people, staff, families, communities — to recognise that we have influence. It’s not about blame or only about preventing harm; it’s about actively creating something positive: a community where everyone feels safe, included, respected and valued. Let’s use our power — whatever our age or role — for good.