Anti-Bullying Week; Choose Respect

Anti-bullying week runs from Monday 11 to Friday 15 November. Children and young people across East Riding will be taking part in learning, activities and assemblies that focus on this year’s theme of Choose Respect.

Odd Socks Day is taking place on Tuesday 12 November, with adults and children being encouraged to wear odd socks to celebrate what makes us all unique.

The Anti-Bullying Alliance are the official organisers of the week, and they have worked with schools to decide on the theme. Choose Respect was picked by teachers and pupils, as they wanted a theme that empowered them to do something positive to counter the harm and hurt that bullying causes.

The Anti-Bullying Alliance calls for people to Choose Respect: From playgrounds to parliament, our homes to our phones, this Anti-Bullying Week let’s ‘Choose Respect’ and bring an end to bullying which negatively impacts millions of young lives. This year, we’ll empower children and young people to not resort to bullying, even when we disagree and remind adults to lead by example, online and offline. Imagine a world where respect and kindness thrives — it’s not just a dream, it’s in the choices we make. Join us this Anti-Bullying Week and commit to ‘Choose Respect’. 

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/sZ_CkltlgS4

Councillor Victoria Aitken, cabinet member for children, families and education said: “In the East Riding we have a partnership anti-bullying action plan. As part of this we aim for children and young people to be seen, listened to and involved in recommendations for change. We work with young people to co-create resources to tackle bullying, providing training and guidance to all those that work with children and young people.

“Anti-bullying week is so important. Not only does it impact on children today, but having understanding, tolerance and acceptance of others is something that will have impact as children grow into adulthood, and it has an impact on society in the longer-term.  

“Along with our teachers and pupils, I will be wearing odd socks with pride on Tuesday, celebrating our uniqueness and championing Choose Respect!”

Aonpreeya Petchatchua, former East Riding Member of UK Youth Parliament is one of the young people who has been involved in developing the East Riding anti-bullying strategy. She said: “Children and young people are entitled to be treated with respect and understanding so they can live their lives free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination. The strategy aims to ensure that we have a kinder and safer environment for young people to grow up in.”

Schools across the East Riding are taking part in the council’s anti-bullying prevention and management in education training. The training will ensure school staff understand strategies for managing bullying, support for victims and those displaying bullying behaviour, as well as practical approaches to reducing the likelihood of bullying.

Community VISION is delivering online anti-bullying training for Voluntary, Community and Faith sector groups working with young people on Wednesday, 13 November, 6pm to 8pm. To book your place, please visit: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/communityvision/1457176  The session is aimed at helping voluntary, community and faith settings working with children and young people to explore what is meant by the term bullying and how it fits within their general safeguarding practice, along with developing strategies to tackle bullying in their youth setting and support all children and young people involved, including those who are victims as well as those who display bullying behaviour.

Community VISION also have an antibullying policy template for VCSE youth settings, available under ‘keeping people safe’ at: https://communityvision.org.uk/services/resources-and-guides/toolkits/policies-procedures-toolkit/

Young Healthy Minds in East Riding is available to any child, young person, parent or carer to provide mental health support and advice: eryc.link/young-healthy-minds