Anti-Bullying Week: Using Our Power for Good

This week, our school joins the global community in marking Anti-Bullying Week, an important opportunity to empower our learners and all of us to stand up against bullying and its harmful effects.

This year’s theme, “Power for Good,” is a powerful reminder that while we cannot always control others’ actions, we can control our own. Each of us has the power to choose kindness, respect, and empathy in our daily interactions. When we make that choice consistently, we help create a safer and more compassionate environment for everyone.

Preventing Bullying Through Kindness

“Power for Good” invites us to make goodness a habit. In a world where kindness can sometimes feel rare, small acts of goodness, a smile, a kind word, a helping hand can ripple outward and inspire others to do the same. When doing good becomes second nature, we build a community where respect thrives and bullying finds no place to grow.

Healing Through Positive Action

Kindness is not only preventive; it is also healing. Many of us have known someone affected by bullying or may have experienced it ourselves. Doing good for others helps to restore faith in humanity and rebuild the sense of trust and safety that bullying damages. Choosing good does not excuse harmful behavior, it reclaims our personal power to respond in ways that uplift ourselves and others, breaking the cycle of hurt and retaliation.

Recognizing the Signs

It’s important for parents and guardians to be aware of the signs that a child may be experiencing bullying or engaging in it.

A child being bullied may:

● Have unexplained injuries or damaged personal items
● Show changes in eating or sleeping habits
● Frequently feel unwell or pretend to be sick

● Struggle with schoolwork or lose interest in school
● Withdraw socially or show signs of low self-worth

● Engage in self-destructive behaviors such as running away or self-harm

A child who may be bullying others might:

● Display aggressive behavior towards peers
● Associate with others who bully

● Have unexplained new possessions

● Frequently get into trouble at school
● Struggle to take responsibility for their actions
● Seem overly concerned about reputation or status

Working Together

Children who experience bullying may not always speak up. They might fear retaliation, feel ashamed, or believe nothing will change. That’s why it’s vital for adults to stay observant and approachable.

If you suspect that a child is being bullied or is bullying others please reach out to any school staff member or safeguarding lead. Listening to the child’s perspective and asking what kind of support would help them most is an important first step toward healing and resolution.

Together, by using our Power for Good, we can nurture a culture of kindness, empathy, and respect a community where every child feels safe, valued, and supported.

School Counsellors