Bullying Is Never OK

Anti-bullying actions are taking place in November in the United Kingdom, in Australia, and in France too. Anti-Bullying Week 2023 is coordinated in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by the Anti-Bullying Alliance. This year it has the theme “Make A Noise About Bullying” and will take place from Monday 13 to Friday 17 November. The week will be kicked off with Odd Socks Day on Monday 13 November, where adults and children wear two different socks to celebrate what makes us all unique.

Together, teachers, students and parents can make a difference, first by showing how banter can turn into something more hurtful that has to be stopped. Anti-bullying organisations are not saying that we can’t joke with friends, but are encouraging everyone to be mindful of how, sometimes, these jokes may not be received as they were intended.

This message is essential in developing empathy among our pupils. However, for some pupils, particularly those that might be being bullied, anti-bullying lessons can be hard. Therefore, it’s important to ensure all activities are carried out sensitively. Try to avoid pupils disclosing personal information or specific incidents during the session.

This activity uses an anti-bullying campaign video from Australia as well as posters from the UK.

Vocabulary and grammar

• feelings
• bullying acts: hurting, shoving, stealing, upsetting, teasing, name calling, spreading rumours
• anyone, anywhere, anything
• keep on V-ing / stop someone from V-ing / stop V-ing
• passive voice
• bullied vs being bullied

Pronunciation

You can /kən/be bullied about what you’re good at /æt/, who your friends are /ɑː/.

 

See the Anti-bullying Alliance site for more information.