Every year, Anti-Bullying Week gives us the chance to pause and reflect on how we treat one another – and more importantly, how we can all take simple but meaningful steps to stand up to bullying. In 2025, the message is clear: Power for Good. From Monday 10th to Friday 14th November, we’ll be joining schools, families, workplaces and communities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to embrace the idea that each of us has the power to make a difference. The week begins with Odd Socks Day – a fun, accessible way to celebrate diversity and individuality, reminding everyone that it’s our differences that make us special, not something to be hidden.
We’ve all seen how small acts of unkindness can snowball into something much bigger. That’s why this year’s theme is more than just a slogan – it’s a call to action. Through our own experience working with children, families and staff, we know how powerful positive reinforcement, empathy and encouragement can be in helping young people grow into confident, respectful individuals. Anti-Bullying Week 2025 encourages everyone to use their voice – whether that’s to speak out for someone who’s being picked on, to share kind words, or to build a culture where differences are not just accepted but celebrated.
What makes Power for Good such a strong theme is that it’s rooted in what pupils and teachers themselves asked for. After listening to feedback from previous years, the Anti-Bullying Alliance has focused this campaign on action, encouraging every child and adult to recognise that they have a role to play in creating safe and inclusive environments. Whether in the classroom, the playground, or even online, we all have moments where we can use our power to support others instead of standing by. That sense of shared responsibility is something we deeply value in our own setting, and it echoes our commitment to building a respectful and compassionate school culture.
One of the most important parts of Anti-Bullying Week is accessibility. As always, there will be free teaching resources, including lesson plans and themed assemblies, made available to help schools engage with the theme. These materials provide practical support for teachers and spark important discussions among pupils about what bullying looks like, how it affects people, and what we can do to challenge it. It’s not about lectures – it’s about conversations, questions and real examples that children can relate to. We often find these resources help even the quietest pupils find their voice and take part.
Odd Socks Day, on Monday 10th November, is a brilliant example of how a simple idea can carry a powerful message. It’s easy to take part – no fundraising required – just pop on a pair of odd socks and join in. The aim is to celebrate what makes us all different and show that being unique is something to be proud of. For younger children, especially, it’s a playful but meaningful way to start talking about acceptance and kindness. In our experience, days like these create lasting memories and set the tone for how pupils treat one another beyond the classroom.
Last year’s campaign was hugely successful – over 80% of schools got involved, reaching more than 7.5 million children and young people. That shows just how important this week has become, not just for schools, but for wider society too. We’ll be taking part once again, with a full programme of activities, discussions, and opportunities for pupils to explore what ‘Power for Good’ means to them. Whether it’s through creative writing, group work, drama, or posters, we encourage children to reflect on their own behaviours and think about how they can contribute to a kinder world.
It’s also worth highlighting that Anti-Bullying Week doesn’t end at the school gate. The Anti-Bullying Alliance is running a broad media and community campaign alongside the educational resources, so that families, workplaces and local communities can take part as well. This is a great opportunity for parents and carers to continue the conversation at home, reinforcing the values children learn in school. It also gives businesses and community groups the chance to show support and raise awareness.
For those looking to get involved, the Anti-Bullying Alliance’s website is the first port of call. It offers a wealth of resources, including guides, videos, posters and toolkits suitable for all age groups and settings. Their guidance for schools is particularly helpful – offering clear, structured ways to deliver Anti-Bullying Week across a wide range of topics and key stages.
We believe that everyone has a role to play in standing up to bullying, and this year’s theme reminds us that even small actions can have a big impact. When a child sees an adult taking bullying seriously, when a pupil reaches out to a classmate who’s struggling, or when a school celebrates individuality openly – that’s power being used for good. And the more we make kindness and respect the norm, the harder it becomes for bullying to thrive.