Next week is Anti-bullying week, and the theme is ‘United Against Bullying’.
This year in particular, we have had to join together to overcome horrendous hardship as Covid-19 wrecks havoc on our lives, and that message of unity is extended to this year’s anti-bullying campaign.
The week-long campaign kicks off on 16 November, and is marked by #OddSocksDay, a day for children to come together to celebrate what makes us all unique, to be kind and accepting of each other’s differences and most importantly to be themselves.
Since 2017, the Anti-Bullying Alliance and charity patron Andy Day (CBeebies / CBBC), and his band Andy and the Odd Socks, have held Odd Socks Day as an easy and accessible way for children and adults alike to participate. There is no pressure on the children to wear the latest fashion or for parents to buy expensive costumes. All they have to do to take part is wear odd socks to school on November 16th.
Last year 75% of schools in the country took part, reaching well over 7 million young people.
In support of Anti-Bullying week, Andy and the Odd Socks are releasing a cover version of the Sham 69 classic, ‘The Kids Are United’ – available now. Odd Sock’s version features lyrics inspired by video calls the band and the Anti Bullying Alliance had with school children from all over the country earlier this summer. All UK profits from the official charity song are being donated to the Anti-Bullying Alliance.
There will also be a huge social media campaign to ensure the widest possible reach. The Anti-Bullying Alliance have compiled a great social media toolkit and invite you to join in the conversations on whatever platform you prefer! Talking about bullying can be the first step to ending it.
Martha Evans, Director, Anti-Bullying Alliance said:
"We believe that by channelling our collective power, through shared efforts and shared ambitions, we can reduce bullying together. We all have a part to play in tackling bullying and we are so excited to have Andy and the Odd Socks on board once again to help inspire children, parents and schools to bring about positive change and a world free of bullying."
Andy Day said:
"Kids are more aware than society sometimes gives them credit for and hearing them talk about embracing difference, inclusivity and showing compassion for others was truly inspiring. Learning how some children were nervous about going back to school, we realised #OddSocksDay is more important than ever this year as no one should experience bullying. Last year over half the schools in the country took part in Odd Socks Day - that’s over 5 million children! This year we would love to have ALL children taking part and hope even more schools will help us with this simple awareness raiser and join in the fun!"
For more information, visit the Anti-bullying Alliance website.
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