Anti-Bullying Week 2018 theme announced as 'Choose Respect'

• The theme for Anti-Bullying Week 2018 has been announced as: ‘Choose Respect’

• Anti-Bullying Week runs from 12-16 November 2018

• ABA will hold Odd Socks Day for Anti-Bullying Week again on the first day of Anti-Bullying Week (12 November 2018)

Campaigners are urging children and schools to choose respect over bullying, as the theme for Anti-Bullying Week 2018 is announced by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, who coordinate the annual campaign.

Following a consultation with over 800 children, teachers and members of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, it emerged that a top priority was showing that bullying is a behaviour choice, and that children and young people can set a positive example by opting to respect each other at school, in their homes and communities, and online.

The Anti-Bullying Alliance, with the continued support of SafeToNet, will be developing a set of free cross-curricular teaching resources to support both primary and secondary schools to embrace the theme of respect.

CBeebies star Andy Day and Anti-Bullying Alliance patron, and his band Andy and the Odd Socks, are supporting Anti-Bullying Week 2018 and are encouraging students to wear odd socks to school during the campaign to show their support and raise money for a good cause.

There will also be Anti-Bullying Week School Staff Awards for those inspiring members of the school workforce who go the extra mile to support pupils and prevent bullying.

Martha Evans, Director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, said:

The feedback from children and teachers on the theme has been really encouraging and we are excited to announce the plans for this year’s campaign. They want to send the message loud and clear that bullying is a behaviour choice, and by choosing respect for others, even when we disagree with them, we can create a positive atmosphere where we can all grow, play and learn.

Sharon Pursey, Co-Founder and CEO of the SafeToNet Foundation said: 

SafeToNet support the Anti Bullying Alliance wholeheartedly with their #choose respect theme for this year’s Anti Bullying Week. Respecting others differences in every sense requires education, maturity and strength of character.  We look forward to working with the Anti-Bullying Alliance and Andy Day to make this the best year ever.

Andy Day said:

Me and my band Andy and the Odd Socks are so pleased to be working with the Anti-Bullying Alliance again this year to launch Odd Socks Day for Anti-Bullying Week. Bullying is never something anyone should have to put up with and I'm delighted we can help raise the issue in such a positive way. Get ready for a Choose Respect rap and a whole lot of Odd Socks!

Anti-Bullying Week runs from 12 to 16 November 2018 – get involved at www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk / @ABAonline: #AntiBullyingWeek #ChooseRespect #OddSocks.

Ends

Notes to editors

For more information please contact the National Children's Bureau's media office on 07721 097 033 / email: media@ncb.org.uk

The Anti-Bullying Alliance

The Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) is a unique coalition of organisations and individuals, who work together to reduce bullying and create safer environments in which children and young people can live, grow, play and learn. ABA is hosted by the National Children's Bureau. For more information visit www.anti­bullyingalliance.org.uk

About the National Children’s Bureau

The National Children’s Bureau is a leading children’s charity working to build a better childhood for every child. We champion children’s right to be safe, secure and supported, by using evidence and our expert knowledge to influence government policy, and help practitioners to do the best job possible, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people. For more information visit www.ncb.org.uk

About SafeToNet

SafeToNet helps parents and guardians to protect the ones they love online. The risks of cyberbullying, sexting, harmful content and excessive time spent online are all too real: the SafeToNet app makes it safer to use the internet without invading a child’s privacy - when the technology detects a risk it simply advises the child and alerts the parent, offering tools and information to educate and stay safe. SafeToNet is proud to support the Anti-Bullying Alliance during Anti-Bullying Week 2018.