Anti-Bullying Week: Power for Good

This year, Anti-Bullying Week runs from 10th to 14th November and carries the theme 'Power for Good': the idea that each of us, young or older, has the power to act, support, speak up and create change.

Bullying isn’t just an issue of what happens in the playground or at school; it’s deeply connected to mental health and emotional wellbeing. It can affect anyone, at any age, in any environment, including workplaces, communities and online spaces.

What is Bullying and Why Does it Matter?

Bullying involves repeated, intentional harm by one or more people, where there’s an imbalance of power, whether social, physical or online. It might take many forms: physical, verbal, relational (excluding someone), or online/cyber-bullying. Whatever form it takes, its effects go far beyond visible bruises or unkind words.

Bullying and Mental Health

There is a strong link between bullying and mental health. Young people who are bullied are more likely to develop difficulties such as anxiety, depression and self-harming. At the same time, young people who already have mental health difficulties may also be more likely to be bullied because they may feel isolated, less able to defend themselves or be targeted.

Bullying that goes unchallenged, or where the victim lacks support or coping strategies, can lead to long-lasting damage: disengagement from school or work, social isolation and feelings of shame. For all of these reasons, anti-bullying work is also mental health work.

(Source: Anti-Bullying Alliance)

Spotting the Signs and Taking Action

Signs that someone might be being bullied or struggling as a result include:

• Anxiety about going to school, work or facing peers
• Withdrawal from friends or activities, low mood or low self-esteem
• Changes in sleep, appetite, mood or concentration
• In cyber-bullying: distress after using social media, avoiding devices or sudden changes in online behaviour

What you can do as a friend, peer, teacher, parent or colleague:

• Believe them and listen without judgement
• Encourage them to talk to someone they trust such as a teacher, counsellor, manager or someone at home
• Remind them that it is not their fault and they deserve respect and safety
• Report it if you are in a school, workplace or community setting
• If you witness bullying, remember you have the power for good. Speak up or tell a responsible adult

These actions help protect mental health and build resilience.

Bullying Doesn’t Stop in Childhood

Bullying doesn’t always end when we leave school. Adult bullying, whether in the workplace, online or in social groups, can be just as damaging. It might look like intimidation, exclusion, harassment or manipulation. Everyone has the right to feel safe and respected.