As Anti-Bullying Week 2025 concludes, communities across the UK are embracing the theme ‘Power for Good’, which encourages children and young people to speak out against bullying and promote kindness in schools, homes and online. Warwickshire County Council is supporting the national message as part of its Child Friendly Warwickshire initiative, aimed at ensuring every child is heard, safe, skilled, happy and healthy.
National anti-bullying efforts
The week, held from 10th–16th of November, is coordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, a coalition working to prevent bullying across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The theme was chosen following feedback from teachers and pupils who wanted a focus on positive, collective action. The alliance reports that more than 80% of schools took part last year, reaching over 7.5 million children and young people. The ‘Power for Good’ approach encourages young people to support one another and break the isolation bullying causes.
Warwickshire’s local commitment
Warwickshire County Council sees the campaign as an extension of its Child Friendly Warwickshire programme, which promotes community collaboration to tackle bullying and strengthen children’s mental health and resilience. This work aligns with broader support such as the Families First programme, part of £500 million in national Department for Education funding to help families early and prevent crises.
School and community activities
The week began with Odd Socks Day on 10th November, encouraging pupils and workers to wear mismatched socks as a fun reminder that differences should be celebrated. Supported by CBeebies star Andy Day and his band Andy and the Odd Socks, the event is accompanied by alliance resources including posters and activity packs.
Friendship Friday on 14th November reinforced the message with the theme #KindnessWins, inviting schools, families and community groups to carry out acts of kindness. Kidscape, a partner of both Child Friendly Warwickshire and the Anti-Bullying Alliance, produced a free resource pack for parents and carers. The pack includes:
- activities for promoting supportive relationships
- guidance on recognising signs of bullying
- tools to help children build healthy friendships
Cyberbullying awareness
Bullying increasingly takes place online, where young people may encounter unkind comments, harmful content, extreme views or threats. Parents and carers are encouraged to watch for warning signs such as withdrawal, anxiety or secretive use of devices. Online risks can contribute to long-term issues including depression and low self-esteem.
Local support resources
Warwickshire Libraries contribute to anti-bullying efforts through their Reading Well collections, which offer books recommended by health professionals and people with lived experience. These cover mental health, resilience, bullying and cyberbullying, and are available in print and eBook formats. Reading Well is one of the UK’s leading self-help schemes and has supported thousands in accessing evidence-based guidance.
councillor George Finch, leader and portfolio holder for children and families at Warwickshire county council, said: “In Warwickshire we believe that every child deserves to grow up in an environment that is safe, nurturing and free from the fear of bullying. Standing up and standing together to address bullying encourages everyone to be respectful and tolerant and most importantly kind.
“We challenge bullying by reaching out and we can all help children to feel empowered to do so, in school, at home, in the community, or online. Helping children be heard, happy and safe is what Child Friendly Warwickshire is all about and we all have a part to play.”
Tackling hate incidents linked to bullying
The Warwickshire Hate Crime Partnership provides further support through reporthatenow, which explains hate incidents and how to report them. The site connects users with Warwickshire Police, victim support, and the Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP), and includes advice and e-learning modules on identifying and responding to hate crimes. The partnership notes that hate crimes remain under-reported locally and aims to build confidence among victims and witnesses.
A collective power for good
As Anti-Bullying Week 2025 ends, Warwickshire’s contribution highlights a united commitment to creating safer, kinder environments for young people. By combining national campaigns with strong local initiatives, the county is helping equip the next generation to challenge bullying and promote empathy.
