Anti-Bullying Week 2021, running from 15th to 19th November, aims to raise awareness of bullying of children and young people. The annual UK event is coordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) and its theme this year is ‘One Kind Word’.
Research by the ABA found that 30% of children have been bullied in the past year and a study by King’s College London has linked childhood bullying with negative social, physical and mental health effects up to 40 years later. Victims of bullying are more likely to be unemployed, earn less, have difficulty maintaining relationships, struggle with obesity and have social anxieties.
Supporting Anti-Bullying Week 2021, Central Devon MP Mel Stride said:
“We must not brush bullying aside as simply part of growing up or dismiss non-physical bullying as something children should just shrug off. To the child it can be a terrifying experience and the evidence is clear that repercussions later in life can be very serious. I know from the dozens of visits I have made to local schools that teachers are doing more than ever to stamp out bullying, with an important focus on early intervention, but as parents we can also do our bit by talking to our children about kindness and respect.”
Anti-bullying week 2021 kicked off with Odd Socks Day, which encourages people to celebrate their uniqueness and individuality. For more information visit www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk.