To commemorate Anti-Bullying Week, this year’s theme was ‘Make a Noise About Bullying’, organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance. Its aim was to bring young people together to create discussions about how banter can turn into something more harmful and how to stop bullying.
Martha Evans, Director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, said:
“We know from research that almost 1 in 4 children say they are being bullied frequently, with the situation even worse for those with disabilities or from poorer families. So, it’s important that the victims of bullying behaviour have an adult they trust to turn to – whether that’s a parent or carer, teacher, or a counsellor at Childline.
“This Anti-Bullying Week we urge adults and children alike to come together to have discussions about bullying, so we all know how to tell the difference between banter and bullying, and how to offer support to those on the receiving end. We can make a difference if we make a noise to stop bullying.”
According to Childline, from April 2022 to March 2023, “Childline delivered over 8,000 counselling sessions to children and young people about bullying, with over 7,000 of calls discussing in-person bullying: a 2% increase compared to last year.”
“I’m scared it’s only going to get worse”
A girl aged 13 told Childline: “My bully had been threatening to beat me up for weeks. The girl cornered me today and shoved my head into a wall. She did it so hard that it gave me a nosebleed. I’m scared it’s only going to get worse”
A boy aged 16 told Childline: “Out of nowhere these accounts started commenting on my posts accusing me of being a sex offender, racist, homophobic, everything like that they can think of. I deleted the comments and blocked the accounts but now there’s reels about it too. I’m worried someone will think that they’re true. Can you help me get these taken down?”
According to Shaun Friel, the Director of Childline:
“This Anti-Bullying Week we want to remind all children and young people that if they are being bullied, it is essential that they reach out for help from a safe adult such as a parent, carer, teacher or Childline.
“Childline is always here to be a source of support for children and young people and our counsellors are available 24/7 over the phone and online.”
For more advice on bullying, seek help and guidance from Childline. Alternatively, Childline has an office in Nottingham at:
6, Prince Of Wales Court 6
Church Street
Old Basford
NG6 0GD
Odd Socks Day
On Monday 13th November many around Nottingham took part in Odd Socks Day, organised by the anti-bullying alliance, with the aim to spread awareness for bullying and the importance of diversity and inclusion, in order to encourage young people to embrace their uniqueness.
The idea for the campaign came from Andy and the Odd Socks, a CBBC presenter, who played at the Royal Concert Hall on Monday 23rd of October and played popular songs from their CBBC series.
Jessica Milner
Featured image courtesy of Kaitlyn Baker. Image has been edited. License can be found here.
In article image courtesy of Christian Fickinger. Image has been edited. License can be found here.
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