During Anti-Bullying Week, we emphasised that every child has the right to feel safe, respected, and included. We kicked off the week with Odd Socks Day — a fun way to celebrate difference and start conversations about kindness and acceptance. In our PSHE lessons, we took part in a variety of activities: children worked in pairs and small groups to role-play what to do when they see or experience bullying, created posters to explore how to support one another, discussed how the rights of the child apply in everyday school life, and reflected on how to be upstanders rather than bystanders.

Tips for children:

• If someone is hurting you by words, actions, or online, remember it’s not your fault.

• Speak to someone you trust (teacher, parent, friend) as soon as you can.

• If it’s online bullying, save the messages/screenshots — keeping a record can help.

• Be kind to others and stand up for them if they’re being treated unfairly — we all have a part to play.

Tips for parents and carers:

• Let your child know bullying is never okay and reassure them that you will take it seriously.

• Ask questions like “What happened?”, “How did you feel?”, and “What do you think needs to happen?” and keep communication open.

• If the bullying is online, help them block or unfriend the person, and keep evidence of what’s been happening.

• Encourage positive activities that boost confidence and friendships outside of the situation — it helps them feel supported and less isolated.