Supporting Anti-Bullying Week

The Council is once again supporting Anti-Bullying Week 2021: One Kind Word (November 15-19).

Co-ordinated in Wales and England by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, the week-long initiative aimed at raising awareness and stamping out all types of bullying, started with Odd Socks Day on Monday, November 15.

The main theme of this year’s Anti-Bullying Week is ‘One Kind Word’ and aims to raise awareness among children about the issue of bullying, especially within their own neighbourhood or school communities.

Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Well-being and Cultural Services, said:

“Bullying of any kind will not be tolerated in our society – at home, in the workplace, in schools or out and about. Everyone needs to feel safe, wherever they are.

“The isolation of the last year has highlighted to us all how even the smallest act of kindness or consideration can make a huge difference to people’s lives.”

Following the success of Anti-Bullying Week 2020, during which 80 per cent of schools in Wales and England highlighted the awareness campaign and the Anti-Bullying Alliance asked the public what they wanted from this year’s Anti-Bullying Week. The overwhelming response was they wanted Anti-Bullying Week 2021 to focus on hope, positivity and the kind things we can all do to halt hurtful behaviour in its tracks.

Odd Socks Day had a serious message behind the fun of wearing odd socks. Pulling on odd socks shows that we are all unique and different. So be kind to each other and respect each other’s individuality.

In a world that can sometimes feel like it is filled with negativity, one kind word can provide a moment of hope. It can be a turning point. It can change someone’s perspective. It can change their day. It can change the course of a conversation and break the cycle of bullying.

Reports of bullying will always be listened to and acted upon by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council. An Anti-Bullying Policy and Guidance For Schools has been published.

RCT Council: Anti-Bullying Policy and Guidance For Schools

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, which works closely with South Wales Police, affirms the right for every child to be safe to learn and to develop healthy relationships. Victims need to be kept safe and bullies need to be supported to change their behaviour and have the opportunity for any underlying emotional needs to be met.

Welsh Government Guidance: Challenging Bullying

Please Support Anti-Bullying Week 2021: One Kind Word

Remember -one kind word leads to another. Kindness fuels kindness. So from the playground to the pub, from phone to phone, home to home, together our actions can fire a chain reaction that powers positivity.

It starts with one kind word. It starts today.