Anti-Bullying Week 2019, supported by O2 and co-ordinated annually by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, is urging everyone to remember that ‘Change Starts with Us’. Together with young people, Anti-Bullying Alliance has published the Change Starts with Us report, which outlines its recommendations.

There are recommendations for young people, schools, government, tech companies, influencers, media and parents and carers. The report also includes evidence of what works to address bullying, both face-to-face and online.

From 11-15 November, over three-quarters of schools in England celebrate Anti-Bullying Week.

A survey of over 1,000 11 to 16-year-olds published by the Anti-Bullying Alliance ahead of Anti-Bullying Week shows the scale of bullying children are experiencing on a day-to-day basis. Nearly a quarter (24%) say they have been bullied once a week or more during the last six months. Furthermore, nearly one child in every classroom (3%) says they encounter bullying every day.

Even greater numbers have changed their route to school (14%). Plus nearly one in five (19%) steer clear of spending time with friends to avoid bullying. A similar amount (19%) avoid social media and online gaming for the same reason.

Children highlighted where they thought change should start, with nearly half (48%) saying their schools should do more.

Commenting is Martha Evans, director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, part of the National Children’s Bureau. “If one in ten children have reported missing school because of bullying, we clearly have a problem. To turn this around, it’s important to bear in mind that everyone has a part to play in reducing and stemming the impact of bullying.

“Through the publication of our Change Starts with Us report, young people can be a catalyst for a change in the way we address bullying both face-to-face and online. We must work together to avoid the long-term impact that bullying can have on young people.

“Of course, that means change on a national scale. For example, improving support online or conducting research. But it’s also about the everyday actions that each of us can take to help someone who is suffering because of bullying. That’s the idea behind Change Starts with Us and we’re encouraging young and old to get involved.”

Anti-Bullying Week runs from 11-15 November 2019. For further information, please click here. Access a copy of the Change Starts with Us report here.