Millions of children wear odd socks for Anti-Bullying Week

Three-quarters of UK schools – over 7 million children and young people – are expected to take part in the annual event, which this year focuses on the importance of acts of kindness, starting with 'One kind Word'.

The event, which is organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, comes as a questionnaire filled in by nearly 15,000 children aged five-to-18 shows that one in five report being bullied ‘a lot’ or ‘always’. A further 1 in 22 – the equivalent of one child in every classroom – said they are frequently hit, kicked or pushed by others.

The Anti-Bullying Alliance's questionnaire also reveals:

• 1 in 12 (8 per cent) children say that other pupils frequently tease them.
• 1 in 16 (6 per cent) pupils report being picked on by other pupils because they are a ‘bit different’.
• 1 in 14 (7 per cent) say they are frequently called hurtful names.

The findings, which were analysed by Goldsmith University, indicate that rates of bullying increased to 30 per cent for children with special educational needs and disabilities and 27 per cent for children in receipt of free school meals.

Martha Evans, director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, said, ‘Our questionnaire has shown that a significant proportion of children are frequently on the receiving end of bullying behaviours. It doesn’t have to be this way. If we are alert to hurtful behaviour, encourage upstanders, and role model kindness and respect - even when we don’t always agree, we can break down barriers and brighten the lives of the people around us.’

Children and Families Minister, Will Quince, added, ‘Bullying can have a huge impact on the lives of young people and their families. That’s why Anti-Bullying Week is so vital – enabling us to come together in a united stance. 

‘I want to encourage everyone to share “One Kind Word” so that we continue to work together to end put a stop to bullying.’

Patron of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, CBBC and Cbeebies TV star Andy Day is supporting the campaign with his band Andy and the Odd Socks. The band has released a new song ‘One Kind Word’ to celebrate Odd Socks Day on 15 November.

Andy Day said, ‘This year we want to spread the message that one kind word can lead to another and together we can help stop bullying. We hope to see you wearing your most colourful odd socks this Anti-Bullying Week.’

• Find out more at anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/antibullyingweek and get involved using #AntiBullyingWeek #OneKindWord #OddSocksDay @ABAonline

The findings, which were analysed by Goldsmith University, indicate that rates of bullying increased to 30 per cent for children with special educational needs and disabilities and 27 per cent for children in receipt of free school meals.

Martha Evans, director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, said, ‘Our questionnaire has shown that a significant proportion of children are frequently on the receiving end of bullying behaviours. It doesn’t have to be this way. If we are alert to hurtful behaviour, encourage upstanders, and role model kindness and respect - even when we don’t always agree, we can break down barriers and brighten the lives of the people around us.’

Children and Families Minister, Will Quince, added, ‘Bullying can have a huge impact on the lives of young people and their families. That’s why Anti-Bullying Week is so vital – enabling us to come together in a united stance. 

‘I want to encourage everyone to share “One Kind Word” so that we continue to work together to end put a stop to bullying.’

Patron of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, CBBC and Cbeebies TV star Andy Day is supporting the campaign with his band Andy and the Odd Socks. The band has released a new song ‘One Kind Word’ to celebrate Odd Socks Day on 15 November.

Andy Day said, ‘This year we want to spread the message that one kind word can lead to another and together we can help stop bullying. We hope to see you wearing your most colourful odd socks this Anti-Bullying Week.’

• Find out more at anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/antibullyingweek and get involved using #AntiBullyingWeek #OneKindWord #OddSocksDay @ABAonline