This November, more than 8 million children and young people across the UK are taking part in Anti-Bullying Week 2025, running from 10 to 14 November. Coordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA), the campaign is supported by patrons Andy and the Odd Socks, and Rúben Dias, Manchester City and Portugal footballer.
This year’s theme, Power for Good, celebrates the ability we all have to stand up to bullying, spread kindness, and create safer environments for every child. Anti-Bullying Week begins with Odd Socks Day on Monday 10 November – a fun, inclusive day led by Andy and the Odd Socks, where children and adults wear odd socks to celebrate what makes us all unique.
London teacher awarded Anti-Bullying Award
Vibert Murdock, Director of Student Development at Ilford County High School in Redbridge, London, is the winner of this year’s School Staff Award for a Secondary School in England.
Run by ABA, the Award is an acknowledgement of teachers and school staff who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to prevent and respond to bullying and to raise awareness of bullying in school. Contestants are nominated by their own pupils.
Talking about Mr Murdock’s anti-bullying initiative Stand Up Speak Out in his nomination, one of his pupils said: “Personally, it gave me the courage to stand up for myself and for others, something I wouldn’t have done as easily without him. His impact goes beyond our school. By helping our student group join the Young Anti-Bullying Alliance, he extended our voices across the UK, influencing other schools and communities. Mr Murdock hasn’t just supported a project; he has empowered students, created a safe space and helped build a culture of kindness and respect.”
Mr Murdock will be told he has won this year’s award at school on Monday. On Wednesday 12 November he will join the Anti-Bullying Alliance at the House of Commons to receive his award
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A national call for government action
The Anti-Bullying Alliance Advisory Group, made up of leading organisations working with children across the UK, is calling on government to take stronger national action. They are urging ministers to ensure that all schools and those working with young people receive the skills, training, and support they need to:
Identify bullying early
Respond effectively and sensitively
Build inclusive cultures that prevent bullying before it starts, especially those most at risk.
The group emphasises that bullying prevention must be seen as a core part of safeguarding children and an essential part of promoting wellbeing and equal opportunities.
A week of celebration and action
Anti-Bullying Week will include:
Odd Socks Day – encouraging individuality and kindness.
A Parliamentary event on Wednesday 12 November bringing together MPs, Lords, ABA patrons, and young people to discuss solutions.
The Anti-Bullying School Staff Awards, honouring staff who go above and beyond to support children.
Free school resources for schools to embed anti-bullying messages into school life.
Campaign activity in thousands of schools, youth settings, and homes nationwide, including events led by Young ABA, the Alliance’s youth activist group.
Bullying still affects more than one in five children every year
Despite progress, more than one in five children and young people experience bullying each year. The impact can be devastating, affecting their mental health, confidence, and ability to thrive at school, with the effects often lasting into adulthood.
Patrons Rúben Dias and Andy Day join the movement
Rúben Dias, Patron of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, said:
“Growing up I saw abuse, exclusion and damage being caused. That is why being part of Anti-Bullying week matters to me. I want young people to stand up against it and help each other to be better.”
Andy Day, Andy and the Odd Socks, said:
“Music and laughter can open doors to real conversations. By having fun, like Odd Socks Day, we can show that our differences are our gifts, not something to hide. For me, Anti-Bullying Week is more than a campaign, it’s a reminder that every child deserves to be seen, heard and safe. When I visit schools, I’m always moved by the way children come together to support each other. You can really see the Power for Good young people have when they stand up for one another.”
