07/11/2025

Power for Good: How Parents Can Help Children Tackle Bullying and Celebrate Kindness This Anti-Bullying Week 2025

Every November, schools and families across the UK join together for Anti-Bullying Week, a time to celebrate kindness, individuality and standing up for one another.

The week is organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) and has been running since 2004, reaching thousands of schools across England, Wales and Northern Ireland every year. It always kicks off with a bit of fun with 'Odd Socks Day', where children (and grown-ups!) wear odd socks to celebrate what makes us all unique. It’s joyful, silly, and a brilliant reminder that being different is something to be proud of.

This year’s theme “Power for Good” is all about how each of us, no matter our age, has the power to make a difference through kindness, empathy, and courage. Even small actions like a kind word, a smile, checking in with someone who looks left out, can have a huge ripple effect.

And as parents, we have a huge part to play in helping our children understand that power, recognise when something’s not okay, and know how to reach out for help.

🌍 The Reality: What Children Are Facing

Bullying is sadly still a big part of many young people’s lives. Here are a few quick facts that put it into perspective:

• Among children aged 10-15 in England and Wales, around 34.9% experienced at least one in-person bullying behaviour in the last year
• For the same group, around 19.1% experienced an online bullying behaviour in the last year
• When looking at nature of bullying: the most common in-person behaviour was being called names/insulted (16.8%) and being deliberately excluded (9.3%)
• According to the Anti-Bullying Alliance, about 40% of young people reported being bullied in the last 12 months, with 6% experiencing it daily
• Importantly: online bullying is often not totally separate from face-to-face bullying. ABA states that only about 1% of teenagers were victims of online bullying alone

The takeaway? Bullying still happens often, but awareness and open conversations really can make a difference. Children who feel listened to and supported are far more likely to speak up and get help early.

👀 Spotting Signs of bullying

Kids don’t always come home and say, “I’m being bullied.” Sometimes, the signs are subtle; a shift in mood, new excuses, or little changes that add up.

Here are a few things to look out for:

• A sudden reluctance to go to school or take part in usual activities
• Seeming anxious, tearful, or withdrawn
• Changes to sleep or appetite
• Avoiding certain people or places (like a bus stop, playground or group chat)
• “Losing” belongings or coming home with damaged items
• More frequent tummy aches or headaches that seem linked to school days
• Being secretive or upset about online messages or social media
• Saying things like “no one likes me” or “I don’t have any friends”

If your gut tells you something’s not right, trust it. The key is to start a gentle conversation. No pressure, no interrogation, just a calm, open chat.

🧒 Anti-bullying tips For Younger Children (ages 4–10)

Younger kids are still learning what friendship really means. They might not have the words for bullying, but they know when something doesn’t feel good.

Try this:

• Use Odd Socks Day as a fun talking point. Ask: “What makes you special?” or “What makes your friends unique?”
• Read or tell simple stories about kindness and difference, then chat about what they’d do if a character was being left out
• Ask open questions at pick-up time: “Who did you play with today?” works better than “Did you have a good day?”
• Encourage them to talk about feelings: “That sounds like it made you sad, what might help next time?”
• Let their teacher know if you have any worries. Sometimes a small nudge from school can make a big difference

🧑 Anti-Bullying tips For Tweens and Teens (ages 11–16)

As children get older, things get trickier. Friendships change fast, and social media adds another layer of pressure.

Here’s how you can help:

• Keep the conversation casual and frequent. Ask about their group chats, not just their homework
• Talk openly about online behaviour; what’s okay, what’s not, and when to step away
• Acknowledge that being “different” can feel tough at this age. Remind them that everyone struggles to fit in sometimes
• Talk about being an upstander, someone who uses their “power for good” by supporting others or reporting unkind behaviour
• If you suspect something’s wrong, stay calm. Let them tell you their story first, and resist the urge to jump straight into “fix it” mode
• Know what support is available at school. Most schools have a pastoral lead or anonymous reporting options
• Even if they act like they don’t want to talk, just knowing you’re there, and that you’ll listen without judgment, goes a long way

❤️ If Your Child Is Being Bullied

If your child tells you they’re being bullied,  or you suspect they are, it can feel heart-breaking. Here’s what might help:

• Stay calm. Your reaction sets the tone. Let them talk without interrupting or minimising
• Validate their feelings. Say things like, “That sounds really hard,” or “I’m glad you told me.”
• Reassure them it’s not their fault
• Gather gentle details. What’s happening, where, and when, without turning it into an interrogation
• Work with the school. Arrange a quiet chat with the teacher or pastoral lead. Schools take this seriously, but it’s helpful to share specifics
• Keep checking in. Don’t assume it’s sorted after one conversation. Regular, low-key chats help children feel supported
• Focus on rebuilding confidence. Celebrate their strengths and the good friendships they do have
• Seek extra help if needed. If bullying has affected your child’s sleep, anxiety or mood, talk to your GP or school counsellor

🧦 Odd Socks Day: A Simple Way to Start the Conversation

On Monday 10th November, pull on your odd socks, the brighter and clashing, the better! It’s a playful way to show that being different is something to celebrate.

You could:

• Take a quick family photo and share it with your child’s school or friends
• Start a “Power for Good” board at home where everyone writes one kind action they’ll do that week
• Ask your child: “What’s one good thing you could do for someone who might be feeling left out?”

Sometimes these little, light-hearted moments open the door to much deeper ones later on.

✨ A Final Word

Bullying can make any parent feel powerless, but the truth is, you do have power. The Power for Good, in fact.

By listening, talking, and showing your child that kindness matters; at home, at school, and beyond, you’re already making a difference.

At Barracudas, we take this same approach in everything we do. We want every child who comes to camp to feel safe, included and valued for who they are. That’s why we put such emphasis on our Codes of Behaviour, which clearly set out what’s expected and acceptable at camp and how we treat one another with respect and kindness.

From the moment children arrive, our team works hard to create a warm, welcoming environment where everyone feels part of the group. We talk openly about kindness, celebrate differences, and make sure every child knows there’s always someone they can talk to if something doesn’t feel right.

Because at the end of the day, camps, like schools, homes and playgrounds, are communities. And when kindness and respect lead the way, they become places where children can truly be themselves, build confidence, and make friends that last.

So this Anti-Bullying Week, wear your odd socks, start the conversation, and remind your child that they don’t have to face tricky stuff alone.

Together, at home and at camp, we can help every child feel safe, seen, and celebrated for exactly who they are.