Empowering Change: Celebrating Anti-Bullying Week from November 17th to 21st 2025

Bullying affects millions of people every day, leaving deep emotional scars and sometimes lifelong challenges. If you have experienced bullying or abuse, you know how isolating and painful it can feel. Anti-Bullying Week, held from November 17 to 21, 2025, offers a powerful opportunity to raise awareness, share stories, and build stronger support networks. This week is about you—your strength, your voice, and your right to feel safe and respected.

School hallway with anti-bullying posters and decorations

Understanding the Impact of Bullying

Bullying is more than just teasing or occasional conflict. It involves repeated actions that hurt, intimidate, or exclude someone. Abuse can take many forms: verbal insults, physical aggression, social exclusion, or online harassment. Each form leaves a mark, affecting your mental health, self-esteem, and even your ability to trust others.

Research shows that people who face bullying are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and difficulties in school or work. Recognising the seriousness of bullying is the first step toward change. When you understand the impact, you can better advocate for yourself and others.

How Anti-Bullying Week Supports You

Anti-Bullying Week is designed to create a safe space where people who have been bullied can find support and resources. During this week, schools, communities, workplaces and organisations come together to:

• Raise awareness about the different types of bullying and abuse.

• Promote kindness and respect through campaigns and events.

• Provide tools and strategies to help you stand up to bullying.

• Encourage open conversations so no one feels alone.

  
  

This collective effort helps break the silence that often surrounds bullying and abuse. It reminds you that your experience matters and that help is available.

Practical Ways to Take Part and Find Support

You might wonder how you can get involved or find help during Anti-Bullying Week. Here are some practical steps you can take:

• Join local or online events: Many communities host workshops, talks, or support groups. These gatherings offer a chance to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.

• Use available resources: Organisations often provide guides, helplines, and online forums where you can ask questions and share your story safely.

• Practice self-care: Taking care of your mental and physical health is crucial. Activities like journaling, exercise, or creative hobbies can help you process emotions.

• Speak up: If you feel safe, talk to trusted friends, family members, or teachers about your experience. Sharing your story can reduce feelings of isolation and build your support network.

• Learn about bystander action: If you witness bullying, knowing how to intervene safely can make a big difference. Simple actions like offering support to the person being bullied or reporting the behaviour can help stop abuse.

  
  

Stories of Strength and Change

Hearing how others have overcome bullying can inspire you to keep moving forward. For example, Sarah, a teenager from the UK, faced relentless bullying at school. During Anti-Bullying Week, she joined a peer support group where she learned to express her feelings and build confidence. With her group's help, Sarah spoke to her school about the bullying, which led to new policies protecting students. Her story shows how speaking out and connecting with others can create real change.

What You Can Do Beyond This Week

Anti-Bullying Week is a starting point, but the fight against bullying and abuse continues year-round. You can keep making a difference by:

• Being kind and inclusive: Small acts of kindness can change someone’s day and create a more welcoming environment.

• Educating yourself and others: Understanding the signs of bullying and abuse helps you recognise when someone needs help.

• Supporting others: If you see someone being bullied, offer your support or encourage them to seek help.

• Advocating for change: Get involved in campaigns or community projects that promote safe spaces and respect.

  
  

Remember, your voice matters. By standing up against bullying, you help build a world where everyone feels valued and safe.