Most parents assume their child would tell them if they were being bullied. Many don’t. They worry it will make things worse, that they won’t be believed, or that they’re somehow to blame. That’s why the theme of this year’s Anti-Bullying Week is “Break the Silence” – and why the most useful thing a parent can do is make it easy to talk.

Anti-Bullying Week 2026

Anti-Bullying Week runs from Monday 16 to Friday 20 November 2026, led by the Anti-Bullying Alliance. It starts with Odd Socks Day on Monday 16 November, when children wear mismatched socks to celebrate what makes everyone different. Many schools will run activities that week, so it’s a natural moment to talk at home too.

Signs something might be wrong

Children rarely say “I’m being bullied” outright. Look for changes, especially if several appear together:

• not wanting to go to school, or to a club they used to enjoy
• stomach aches or headaches, particularly on school mornings
• lost or damaged belongings, or asking for extra money
• becoming quiet, tearful, angry or withdrawn
• trouble sleeping, or changes in eating
• being anxious after using their phone or going online

None of these proves bullying on its own. But they’re a reason to check in gently.

How to get your child talking

The aim isn’t one big conversation – it’s making talking feel normal and safe.

• Choose side-by-side moments. In the car, on the walk home, while cooking. Children often find it easier to talk when they don’t have to make eye contact.
• Ask open questions. “Who did you sit with at lunch?” or “What was the best and worst bit of today?” works better than “Are you being bullied?”
• Stay calm, whatever you hear. If you react with anger or panic, children may stop telling you things to protect you.
• Believe them and thank them. “I’m really glad you told me” matters more than any immediate fix.
• Don’t promise to keep it secret. Explain that you’ll work out together what happens next.

What to do if your child is being bullied

• Write down what’s happened: dates, what was said or done, who was involved. Screenshot anything online.
• Talk to the school. Every school must have a behaviour policy that covers bullying. Ask to speak to the class teacher or head of year, and agree what will happen and when you’ll hear back.
• Agree a plan with your child, so they know what to do and who to go to if it happens again.
• Don’t encourage retaliation. It often makes things worse and can get your child into trouble.
• Look after their confidence. Time with friends, family and activities they enjoy helps children feel less defined by what’s happening.

If your child ever seems very distressed or unsafe, act straight away. Children can also speak to Childline for free on 0800 1111.

Raising a child who stands up for others

Most bullying happens in front of other children. A child who feels confident to say “that’s not OK”, or who simply goes and stands next to the child being picked on, can change what happens next.

• Talk about what being an “upstander” means. It doesn’t have to be dramatic. Telling an adult, checking on someone afterwards, or refusing to laugh along all count.
• Practise what to say. Short phrases are easier: “Leave it”, “Come and sit with us”, “I’m telling a teacher.”
• Notice and praise kindness, not just achievement. Children repeat what we value.
• Model it yourself. How we talk about others, at home and online, shows children what’s acceptable.

These values – respect, kindness and responsibility for others – are at the heart of everything we do at Redbrick.

Quick takeaways

• Anti-Bullying Week 2026 is 16–20 November, with Odd Socks Day on Monday 16 November.
• Many children don’t tell anyone, so watch for changes in mood and behaviour.
• Use side-by-side moments and open questions to get them talking – and stay calm.
• Keep a record and talk to the school if your child is being bullied.
• Teach children that standing up for others can be as simple as telling an adult.

Find out more

If you’d like to know more about our after-school club and tuition in Longsight, Old Trafford and Oldham, get in touch.