Next week and every week, we stand up against bullying. Coordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, Anti-Bullying Week 2017 takes place from 13^th – 17^th November. This year Anti-Bullying Week is celebrating what makes us all different because, after all, we are all different – and all equal.

With simple, inspired ideas such as Odd Socks Day (that’s almost every day in my house – matching socks are rare and purely coincidental), the charity aims to challenge the idea that we all need to be the same in order to fit in.

By its very nature, bullying is an isolating experience. When you are in its nasty grip, you feel you are the only one. Many victims of bullying feel they have brought it on themselves, that they somehow deserve the treatment they are receiving or that they are being over-sensitive. The simple fact is that if the way someone behaves towards you makes you feel scared, uncomfortable or miserable that isn’t okay and they are in the wrong – not you. If you feel you are the only one, ask the next five person you meet whether they have ever felt bullied. I’d bet that at least three out of the five will answer yes – even if they are adults.

Standing up for yourself can seem daunting but it doesn’t have to involve fighting back directly. If you are a child who feels bullied, please reach out and tell someone. You can tell a friend but remember that responsible adults such as parents, carers or teachers are ace at sorting these things out, so don’t feel shy about approaching them. If you do not feel that you can speak to anyone you know about your problem, you can call Childline on 0800 1111 or get in touch with them online. They will always be happy to help and they give really good advice. For further information about bullying in general and Anti-Bullying Week, visit:

https://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/

and

http://www.bullying.co.uk/

Getting involved in Anti-Bullying Week 2017 will show victims how much people care and encourage them to come forward and get the help they need. Remember that reaching out and telling someone what has been happening and how it makes you feel is where you begin to stand up for yourself. If you ask for help, you’ll be surprised by how much people care.