Anti-Bullying Week 2023: Make a Noise about Bullying

Anti-Bullying Week is an annual event run by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, which aims to raise awareness of bullying of children and young people, in schools and elsewhere, and to highlight ways of preventing and responding to it.

This year's Anti-Bullying Week takes place from 13-17 November, and has the theme of 'Make A Noise About Bullying', an idea which came about following consultation with teachers and pupils. According to the Anti-Bullying Alliance the theme was chosen because "too often, we are silent when we see bullying take place, silent about the hurt bullying causes, and silent when we hear bullying dismissed as ‘just banter'. It doesn't have to be this way."

An easy and fun way to get involved in Anti-Bullying Week is Odd Socks Day, which is taking place on Monday 13 November. To take part, all you need to do is wear odd socks! It's a simple way to celebrate what makes us all unique. 

You can find out more about Anti-Bullying Week with this PDF from the Anti-Bullying Alliance, and there are plenty more activities, resources and ways to get involved over on the Anti-Bullying Alliance website.

Anti-bullying at the Into Film Festival

In support of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, we have several films with anti-bullying themes showing as part of the programme at this year's Into Film Festival, which takes place simultaneously with Anti-Bullying Week in November. 

One of our opening events is a special pupil premiere of new documentary Your Fat Friend; a film about fatness, family, the complexities of change and the messy feelings we hold about our bodies. The screening in Nottingham will be followed by a Q&A with the film's director, Jeanie Finlay. If you're in the vicinity, there are still a few places left, so book now to ensure you don't miss out!

Elsewhere, screenings of the following films will bring anti-bullying themes to cinemas across the UK:

• Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical (PG) - Based on Roald Dahl's beloved children's book and adapted from the equally adored stage musical, with songs by Tim Minchin, this is an inspirational coming-of-age film about rewriting your own story.
• Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret (PG) - Based on the iconic American novel by Judy Blume, this coming-of-age story captures adolescent experiences with a hilarious, endearing and relatable perspective.
• Close (12A) - In rural Belgium, 13-year-olds Leo and Remi are best friends with a close affection for each other, which is called into question when they start middle school in this tender and moving coming-of-age drama which deals with themes including friendship, mental health, and sexuality.
• The First Slam Dunk (12A) - Based on a much-loved manga from the 1990s, this Japanese anime is both an epic sports drama and an intimate character piece that digs into themes of loss, friendship and the importance of communication.

Anti-bullying resources

Anti-bullying films on Into Film+

Listed below, you can find a selection of films with anti-bullying themes that are available to stream with Into Film+. With titles for both primary and secondary audiences, with everything from short films to full features and documentaries, you're sure to find something to help you illustrate this vital topic in the classroom.

• New to Into Film+? Find out how to get started

Short films

Films for primary

Films for secondary

Documentaries

How Do I Get Started?

To access Into Film+, all you'll need is an Into Film Account - it's completely free, and only takes a moment to set up. Into Film+ is free to use for all UK state schools that hold a valid Public Video Screening (PVS) Licence from Filmbankmedia.

Filmbankmedia PVS Licences are paid for on behalf of schools by all local authorities in England and by some local authorities in both Wales and Scotland. Into Film NI cover the license cost for some schools in Northern Ireland. For further information on licensing in your locality please see our FAQs.

If you don't have a PVS Licence, or aren't already covered, then a licence can easily be obtained from Filmbankmedia.

* Screenings for an entertainment or extra-curricular purpose require a PVS (Public Video Screening) Licence from Filmbankmedia. State-funded schools in England are covered by the PVS Licence.

Into Film and the Into Film+ streaming service is supported by the UK film industry through Cinema First and the BFI through National Lottery Funding, thanks to National Lottery players. Since the very first National Lottery draw in 1994, public support - raised directly through National Lottery ticket sales - has funded more than 670,000 projects, raising more than £46 billion for good causes.