Anti-Bullying Week 2024 kicks off today! Anti-Bullying Week is an annual UK event co-ordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, held in the third week in November which aims to raise awareness of bullying of children and young people, in schools and elsewhere, and to highlight ways of preventing and responding to it. It started in 2002 and has since grown to become a significant event in the calendars of children, families and schools with an estimated 80% of schools in the UK taking part, reaching over 7.5 million children and young people.
Anti-Bullying Week is an important event in asphaleia's calendar because bullying has a significant impact on children and young people, and can seriously hinder their ability to reach their full potential and be happy.
Research shows that 30% of children have experienced bullying in the last year alone, with 17% experiencing bullying online. Children and young people who have experienced bullying are more likely to leave school without qualifications, and have mental health issues, amongst other negative outcomes.
odd socks day
As we have done in previous years, we are inviting all staff and young people across our services to wear odd socks on Tuesday 13th, to take part in the nationwide demonstration that bullying is not ok, both for young people and also for staff in the workplace.
anti-bullying tree
In order to show our support for young people who might experience bullying, and to raise awareness, we have created an Anti-Bullying Pledge Tree in our learning centre.
Young people, staff, and visitors to the centre are invited to add their pledge to help prevent bullying and support victims.
We look forward to seeing the tree become increasingly full and colourful over the week ahead!
Students will also be doing workshops with our Voice & Participation Youth Worker on Anti-Bullying, with students being reminded how to report any bullying they or others are experiencing.
Workshops will also invite students to make suggestions on how to make social media a kinder place, for Social Media Kindness Day, which shares Wednesday 14th November with World Kindness Day.
anti-bullying in our properties
In our supported accommodation services, staff will be doing some Anti-Bullying keywork with young people and inviting them to wear odd socks on Tuesday.
With World Kindness Day taking place on Wednesday, young people will also be encouraged to prioritise acts of kindess. It has been lovely to hear of young people in one of our properties showing kindness recently by leaving clothes behind for new residents when they move on to independent living.
We look forward to sharing more about what goes on during this week. Make sure to follow us on social media for daily updates, @asphaleiaorg (Facebook, X, and Instagram).