Anti-Bullying Week mobilizes communities across the UK every third week of November. This vital observance highlights the profound impact of bullying on mental health and quality of life, urging a zero-tolerance approach. Join the movement by promoting kindness, reporting incidents, and advocating for safer spaces for everyone.
Want to sponsor Anti-Bullying Week? Learn how
History of Anti-Bullying Week
In 2002, the U.K.’s National Children’s Bureau (N.C.B.) and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty (N.S.P.C.C.) established the Anti-Bullying Alliance. The Anti-Bullying Alliance, hosted by the N.C.B., aimed to give knowledge about all forms of bullying experienced by children and youth. Through membership, they shared best practices, supported learning, offered national and local programs, and raised awareness through Anti-Bullying Week. The first Anti-Bullying Week took place in 2004, from November 22 to November 26. Anti-Bullying Week has a different theme each year.
Anti-Bullying Week 2012 marked the 10th anniversary of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, focusing on the theme “We’re Better Without Bullying.” Jessica Lee M.P. hosted a Parliamentary Reception for the organization. The Young Mayor team members, Council for Disabled Children, the volunteer police cadets, and Changing Faces gave presentations on their experiences and listed priorities for future anti-bullying projects. They had a live web show with “Made in Chelsea” actress Millie Mackintosh, where Mackintosh discussed her background with bullying and gave advice for youth going through the same experience.
The Anti-Bullying Association introduced “Odd Socks Day” in 2017, starting on the first day of Anti-Bullying Week. Odd Socks Day celebrated diversity and helped raise awareness. In 2020, over seven million young people participated in Anti-Bullying Week. More than 100 members of school staff and 300 youth helped develop the theme “United Against Bullying.”
Anti-Bullying Week timeline
Ross Ellis establishes Stomp Out Bullying.
California enacts the first law against cyber-bullying in the U.S.
New Jersey schools adopt the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights.
Rebecca Sedwick, a victim of bullying, commits suicide, leading to the arrest of two girls who allegedly bullied her.
Anti-Bullying Week FAQs
When is Anti-Bullying Week?
Anti-Bullying Week 2026 runs Monday, November 16 through Friday, November 20, uniting schools and communities across the UK. It’s a crucial time to reinforce messages of respect and kindness.
How many children are affected by bullying in the UK?
According to a 2025 report by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, approximately one in five children in England experienced bullying in the past year. This statistic underscores the ongoing need for awareness and intervention.
What is the theme of Anti-Bullying Week?
The theme for Anti-Bullying Week is announced annually by the Anti-Bullying Alliance. For 2026, the theme is expected to build on previous years’ focus, encouraging collective action and empathy.
What is 'Odd Socks Day' during Anti-Bullying Week?
‘Odd Socks Day’ is a popular event during Anti-Bullying Week where people wear mismatched socks to celebrate individuality and uniqueness. It’s a simple yet powerful way to show support for the anti-bullying message and embrace differences.
How to Observe Anti-Bullying Week
Wear odd socks
Wearing odd socks symbolizes our differences. It's a subtle way to say that people should be themselves and that we should accept one another by celebrating our differences.
Pledge your support
Sign up to pledge your support on the anti-bullying U.K. website. You'll receive a certificate to display in your school, workplace, or organization.
Reach out on social media
Social media is a great platform to promote anti-bullying. You can also stand against cyberbullying by reporting malicious and offensive content.
5 Important Facts About Bullying
Bullying affects education
Almost 160,000 teenagers have skipped school because of bullying.
Stepping in makes a difference
57% of bullying situations stop when peers intervene on behalf of the bullied student.
Reporting is an issue
Older students are less likely to report bullying incidents, which is why it's so essential for others to intervene on their behalf.
Calling it out
Labeling incidents as bullying influences whether students tell an adult and how the adult will respond to the incident.
Types of bullying
Verbal harassment is the most common form of bullying at 79%, followed by social harassment at 50%, physical bullying at 29%, and cyberbullying at 25%.
Why Anti-Bullying Week is Important
Challenging and changing it
Though bullying affects millions and often leaves its victims feeling hopeless, it's a problem we can tackle. By challenging it, we change it. It all starts by reaching out.
Providing emotional support
We get to show our support online, at home, in our community, or at school. By reaching out to victims of bullying and those we trust if we need to talk, we provide ourselves and others with emotional support.
Making a difference
This week we get to make a difference in the lives of those being bullied. See what you can do today to stand up against bullying. Advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
Anti-Bullying Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | November 17 | Monday |
| 2026 | November 16 | Monday |
