Anti-Bullying Week 2026

What is the Anti-Bullying Week 2026 theme?

The confirmed theme is “Break the Silence”. The campaign encourages people to begin conversations about bullying, listen and act together. It replaces 2025’s “Power for Good” theme; a previous year’s materials need to be identified clearly.

For a school, a practical response is to make sure pupils know how to tell someone about a concern and what will happen next. Speaking up should be accompanied by a clear adult response.

When is Anti-Bullying Week 2026?

The confirmed dates are 16–20 November 2026. The organiser’s 2026 campaign page also confirms Odd Socks Day on Monday 16 November, at the start of the week.

Use the organiser’s announced dates for this year. If planning in a different nation or with another campaign organisation, check its current programme and resources as well.

Ideas for other organisations

Community groups can check whether their own behaviour expectations and reporting routes are clear. Workplaces supporting the campaign should distinguish a child-focused awareness activity from their own process for employment complaints.

Any fundraiser should name the beneficiary and make donations optional. Use the current official donation information if supporting the Anti-Bullying Alliance.

Understanding bullying

The Anti-Bullying Alliance’s definition describes intentional, repeated hurt involving an imbalance of power. It can involve different forms of behaviour and happen in person or online.

Use a shared definition when teaching, while responding appropriately to any report of harm. A child should not have to decide whether an experience meets a technical definition before asking an adult for help.

A practical plan for schools and youth settings

Before the week: prepare the reporting route

Check that staff can explain whom pupils can speak to, how concerns are recorded and how follow-up is arranged. Identify any confusing or inaccessible information. Give families the same clear route for raising a concern.

Monday: use Odd Socks Day to open the conversation

Explain the connection between celebrating difference and treating others respectfully. Make clothing and donations optional, and offer another way to contribute. Connect the activity to the practical help available in the setting.

During the week: practise with fictional examples

Use a suitable scenario to discuss how someone could seek help or support a peer. Let pupils ask general questions without naming classmates. Personal disclosures should move to the setting’s safeguarding and reporting process.

By Friday: explain what will continue

Repeat the reporting information and describe one improvement the setting is making. Assign an owner and a review date. The end of a campaign week should not end the opportunity to raise a concern.

Taking part at home

Choose a calm moment to check whether a child knows which adults can help. A fictional story or a question about the school’s reporting information can open a conversation without requiring an immediate personal account.

If a concern is raised, listen and use the school or setting’s normal contact route. Keep details private rather than posting names or allegations in a public group. Follow up through the agreed process.

Where to find the official resources

The organiser’s campaign hub links to current primary and secondary school packs, youth-setting materials and Odd Socks Day resources. Check the year and the intended audience before using a download.

The parent and carer pack provides a separate route for families. For an ongoing school plan, the Alliance also explains a whole-school and setting approach.