Anti-Bullying Week: Building Respect, Kindness and Safe Communities for Everyone

Every November, Anti-Bullying Week shines a light on an issue that still affects millions - in classrooms, workplaces, online spaces and public life.

Bullying isn’t just “part of growing up” or a tough workplace culture - it’s a serious safeguarding issue that can impact someone’s mental health, confidence, and even their sense of safety in daily life.

At imabi, we believe safety and respect are everyone’s responsibility and that through awareness, education and technology, we can help create communities where everyone feels safe, connected and supported.

Use Your Power for Good

This year’s Anti-Bullying Week theme, “Power for Good”, reminds us that tackling bullying starts with everyday actions: how we speak, listen, and respond to one another.

We all have power - the power to notice, to speak up, and to support others. When used positively, it can transform someone’s day, restore confidence, and even save a life.

By pledging to use your Power for Good, you’re committing to:

• Safely speak up when you see bullying - face to face or online

• Support those who may feel isolated or afraid

• Share awareness messages that promote kindness and inclusion

• Help create communities where everyone feels seen, heard and respected

At imabi, we share this mission. Whether through imabi Inspire in schools, imabi Pro in workplaces, or imabi Travel Guardian in communities, our platforms empower people to act safely, report concerns, and stand up for others - together, turning awareness into real action.

Make your pledge today:

The Facts: Why Bullying Awareness Matters

• Around 1 in 5 UK children say they’ve been bullied in the past year (Anti-Bullying Alliance, 2024)

• 60% of young people who experience bullying say it happens at school or college but online harassment is increasing fast

• In workplaces, nearly 1 in 10 employees say they’ve experienced bullying or harassment in the past six months (CIPD, 2024)

• Victims of bullying are twice as likely to report symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress-related illness

• Only 40% of victims say they reported the behaviour - most stayed silent due to fear of retaliation or not being believed

Recognising the Signs

Bullying can take many forms - physical, verbal, social, psychological, or digital. Some warning signs might include:

• Withdrawal or avoidance of certain people or spaces

• Sudden changes in mood, performance, or attendance

• Reluctance to use social media or attend work/school

• Increased stress, anxiety, or unexplained illness

• Belongings being damaged or going missing

For adults, workplace bullying can also look like:

• Exclusion from projects or communication

• Public criticism, humiliation or impossible deadlines

• Undermining someone’s confidence or credibility

Tips for Standing Up and Speaking Out

1. If you’re being bullied

• Report it or tell someone you trust: don’t keep it to yourself - speak to a teacher, manager, HR lead, or use safeguarding tools like imabi Inspire (for schools) or imabi Pro (for workplaces)

• Keep evidence: screenshots, messages and dates help build a clearer picture of what’s happening

• Know your rights: bullying and harassment in the workplace can breach the Worker Protection Act - employers have a legal duty to protect you from harm

2. If you see bullying happening

• Don’t be a bystander: speaking up can stop someone feeling alone

• Report it safely: through platforms like free imabi Travel Guardian app, you can share your concerns by anonymously reporting directly to the police or Crimestoppers

• Show support: a simple “Are you okay?” can mean more than you think

3. If you’re a teacher, employer or community leader

• Create a culture where respect and safety are visible priorities

• Ensure reporting tools are clear, accessible and anonymous where possible

• Provide staff and student training on recognising and responding to bullying

• Use digital solutions to share safety information and resources across your network or organisation

Guidelines for a Respectful Culture

• Lead by example: small actions of kindness and fairness build trust

• Zero tolerance doesn’t mean zero conversation: talk openly about behaviour, accountability and emotional impact

• Be proactive, not reactive: regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and safeguarding training prevent harm before it escalates

• Encourage digital responsibility: online words have offline consequences - promote mindful posting and respectful communication