The event has been held in the UK since 2004 and aims to raise awareness of the effects of bullying and how to prevent it from happening.

It is organised by the Anti-bullying Alliance (ABA), which was founded in 2002 by NSPCC and National Children's Bureau in 2002. ABA has around 60 membership organisations and aims to reduce bullying and create safer environments in which children and young people can live, grow, play and learn.

The theme for this year’s event is ‘Difference and Diversity: Being Different, Belonging Together’.

In her introduction to the week, ABA President Esther Rantzen said: “We know that differences – whether real or perceived – are often at the heart of bullying. This year's Anti-Bullying Week sets out to raise awareness and challenge this unacceptable behaviour.

“Being different, belonging together is a rich theme that encourages schools to consider how preventing and responding to bullying, harassment and discrimination keeps children safe and supports cohesion.”

Find out more about anti-bullying week from the anti-bullying alliance website, here.

If you are affected by these issues, and would like to know more, our factsheets may help:

• Bullying in the education sector; harassment; relationships at work
• Bullying in the workplace - what is bullying is and how can you deal with it?
• What should I do if I am being bullied at work?
• Advice for teachers: dealing with cyber-bullying; harassment

There is more information available from the InfoCentre on our InfoCentre.