Anti-Bullying Week 2021 is taking place from Monday 15th - Friday 19th November and we’re more excited than ever!
The Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF) coordinates Anti-Bullying Week in Northern Ireland. This year’s theme is ‘One Kind ‘Word’ has been developed across all four nations of UK and included the support of children and young people in the designing and messaging.
Read our Anti-Bullying Week 2021 manifesto for change:
Ask if someone’s OK. Say you’re sorry. Just say hey.
In a world that can sometimes feel like it’s filled with negativity, one kind word can provide a moment of hope. It can be a turning point. It can change someone’s perspective. It can change their day. It can change the course of a conversation and break the cycle of bullying.
Best of all, one kind word leads to another. Kindness fuels kindness. So from the playground to Parliament, and from our phones to our homes, together, our actions can fire a chain reaction that powers positivity.
It starts with one kind word. It starts today.
What’s Happening?
Odd Socks Day 2021 – Monday 15th November!
After a hugely successful Odds Socks Day in NI last year, we are delighted to be working with Andy Day, cBeebies star and frontman of Andy and the Odd Socks again this year. Odd Socks Day is a chance for everyone to celebrate Anti-Bullying Week in a positive way by wearing odd socks for the day. There is no pressure to wear the latest fashion or buy expensive costumes. All you have to do to take part is wear odd socks, it could not be simpler!
Odd Socks Day will take place on the first day of Anti Bullying Week, Monday 15th November, to help raise awareness for Anti-Bullying Week.
You can download the Odd Socks Day pack for Northern Ireland here.
Share your story
This Anti-Bullying Week we want to share your real-life stories of the moment that one kind choice, one kind action, one kind word changed your life for the better in relation to bullying.
It can be an example of kindness shown to you - or a time you saw kindness make a difference to someone experiencing or perpetrating bullying behaviour. We hope these stories will help inspire a chain reaction this Anti-Bullying Week.
You can type your story or we’d really love to be able to share a video of you sharing your story - no longer than 1 minute in length. You can submit your story here.
Please also note that we are only accepting submissions from people aged 16+.
Thinking of Fundraising this Anti-Bullying Week?
There are many fun ways to fundraise for NIABF during ABW21 such as Odd Socks Day collections and bake sales. Please do let us know if you plan to fundraise this year by contacting us at info@niabf.org.uk
All donations can be made online here.
Other features of Anti-Bullying Week 2021:
- School Resource Pack – these cross-curricular activity ideas will be tailored to ensure they can be delivered either face to face or online
- Creative Arts Competition – this year’s competition will open for entries on 30 September 2023 and the closing date is Monday 1st November 2021
- School Staff Award - This year pupils can nominate a member of school staff who have gone that extra mile to win the ABW21 School Staff Award. Two lucky winners (one primary and post-primary) will receive an overnight stay for two at the Europa Hotel thanks to our friends at Hastings Hotels, Closing Date is Wednesday 3rd November
- Social Media Toolkit – ways to get involved online with resources and ideas about how to play your part on social media
Stay tuned online and on social media
Explore the webpage, Twitter and Instagram, and also check your emails and C2K School Noticeboard for all the information you need to get involved in Anti-Bullying Week.
Thank you for helping us share the message of One Kind Word this Anti-Bullying Week.
Kindness fuels kindness, let’s break the cycle of bullying!
NIABF Team