About Anti Bullying Week 2026

Anti-Bullying Week 2026 runs from Monday 16 to Friday 20 November 2026. The 2026 theme is “Break the Silence.”

Anti-Bullying Week 2026 runs from Monday 16 to Friday 20 November, with Odd Socks Day on the Monday as its launch event. The week is run by the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA), a coalition of more than 450 organisations and individuals. Every school in England is invited to take part, and the ABA estimates that around three in five schools do so each year.

2026 theme: Break the Silence

This year’s theme, “Break the Silence,” was developed in consultation with the anti-bullying sector and shaped directly by the voices of more than 200 children and young people. Many of them spoke about the silence that surrounds bullying – the barriers young people face when trying to ask for help, and the fear or shame that stops them speaking out. The campaign calls on children, adults, schools and organisations to start conversations about bullying, to listen when someone speaks, and to take action together.

Research published by the National Children’s Bureau to coincide with the 2026 launch found that a significant proportion of children experiencing bullying had not told a trusted adult, with many citing worry that they would not be believed, or that speaking up would make things worse. The ABA’s “Break the Silence” messaging is designed to reduce those barriers in schools and at home.

What happens during Anti-Bullying Week?

Schools, youth groups, workplaces and public sector bodies mark the week in different ways. The ABA provides free resource packs, assembly plans, lesson materials and social media assets each autumn. The week typically includes:

• Odd Socks Day (Monday 16 November): pupils and staff wear mismatched socks to celebrate what makes everyone different. No cost, no costume – just a simple symbol of individuality and inclusion.
• Assembly sessions built around the week’s theme, led by school councils or pastoral staff.
• PSHE lessons on recognising bullying, understanding bystander behaviour, and knowing how to report incidents.
• A “kindness challenge” – a whole-school activity where pupils complete acts of kindness and log them on a display in the hall.
• Parent engagement: an information evening or newsletter explaining the school’s anti-bullying policy and reporting routes.

For schools: assembly, classroom and PTA ideas

Anti-Bullying Week is usually led by the pastoral lead, PSHE coordinator or designated safeguarding lead. Plan assemblies and lessons in October, book any external speakers before half-term, and send parents a short briefing note a fortnight before the week starts.

• Assembly: launch the week on Monday with the “Break the Silence” theme – explain what bullying is, why people stay silent, and how pupils can speak up safely.
• Assembly: show a short film from the ABA, then have school council members explain your school’s three ways to report bullying.
• Classroom: scenario-based PSHE sessions on the difference between falling out, banter and bullying, with role-play and a “what would you do?” discussion.
• Classroom: a class charter where pupils write and sign their own anti-bullying agreement, displayed for the week.
• Whole school: a “post a compliment” box – anonymous notes collected during the week and read out on Friday.
• Whole school: Odd Socks Day parade or class photo on Monday, shared with the school community.
• Parents and PTA: a coffee morning with the pastoral team, with information on online safety and how to talk to a child who might be being bullied.
• Fundraising: optional £1 donations for an anti-bullying charity chosen by the school council.

Useful resources: Anti-Bullying Alliance 2026 resources, Kidscape advice for schools, The Diana Award anti-bullying programme, and Department for Education guidance on preventing and tackling bullying.

Last reviewed: 2026-09-20. Tentpole refresh: 2026 theme “Break the Silence” added with ABA research detail; dates table added; hashtag section removed; schools section updated.

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