Anti-Bullying Week 2026: How Can Teachers Help Pupils Break the Silence on Bullying?
Anti-Bullying Week takes place from Monday 16th to Friday 20th November 2026, and this year’s theme is Break the Silence. Run by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, it reaches an estimated 8 million children and over 80% of schools each year. For teachers, TAs, LSAs and supply staff across Essex, Hertfordshire and Suffolk, it is a brilliant prompt to start the conversations that really matter.
Why does “Break the Silence” matter in schools?
The Anti-Bullying Alliance reports that more than one in five children are bullied each year, and many never tell anyone. This year’s theme was shaped by over 200 children and young people, who described the barriers to asking for help.
That is where education staff make the difference. The first adult a child confides in is often not a senior leader. It is the teacher, TA or cover supervisor who notices something is not quite right.
How is online bullying changing what staff see in the classroom?
Bullying is no longer confined to the playground. The Anti-Bullying Alliance highlights group chats, social media and emerging technologies as places where it now happens. Tes reported in January 2026 that more than a third of teachers had dealt with a pastoral incident involving WhatsApp since September. That rose to 44% for primary teachers, despite the app’s minimum age of 13. Snapchat (33%) and TikTok (32%) followed.
In practice, a message sent at 9pm on Sunday can shape a pupil’s Monday morning.
What can teachers and support staff do this Anti-Bullying Week?
Open the door. Ask open questions such as “Is there anything on your mind, in school or online?” and remind pupils exactly who they can tell.
Know your reporting route. Find out who your designated safeguarding lead is and where the school’s bullying policy sits. Supply teachers, ask for this on arrival.
Take online concerns seriously. Even when it happened outside school hours, it belongs in the conversation. Listen, reassure, avoid asking pupils to forward or share content, and pass the details to your safeguarding lead following school policy.
Spot the signs. Sudden friendship changes, anxiety around devices, withdrawal or reluctance to come to school are all worth noting.
Join in on Monday 16th November. Odd Socks Day, led by Anti-Bullying Alliance patron Andy Day and Andy and the Odd Socks, celebrates what makes us different. No costume or spending needed.
Where can I find free anti-bullying resources for the classroom?
Twinkl has partnered with the Anti-Bullying Alliance on a range of resources, including assembly packs, role play scenarios, activity cards and discussion cards on bullying and power imbalance, plus an age appropriate PowerPoint for ages 3 to 5.
The Anti-Bullying Alliance also releases free films, lesson plans and assemblies ahead of the week. This includes a full page with resources dedicated to schools and other youth settings. Find out more by clicking here.
Looking for a school that takes pupil wellbeing seriously?
At Gold Education Recruitment, we take the time to understand what you want from a role and the kind of school culture where you will thrive. If you are a teacher, TA, LSA, SEND specialist or supply teacher looking for your next opportunity in Essex, Hertfordshire or Suffolk, head to our Jobs Board to see the latest vacancies, or contact our team today for a friendly, no pressure chat.
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