School children across Leicestershire are being asked to don odd socks as part of a nationwide campaign to raise awareness around bullying.
The ‘Odd Socks Day’ marks the beginning of Anti-Bullying Week (November 13-17), which Leicestershire County Council is supporting. A key aim of the campaign is to help empower children and young people to celebrate what makes them, and others, unique.
With the message 'All Different, All Equal', the week also aims to help youngsters understand how important it is that they feel valued and able to be themselves without fear of bullying.
The ‘All Different, All Equal’ message is a fantastic way to emphasise the individuality of children across Leicestershire and the ‘Odd Socks Day’ is a great way to start proceedings. It is easy to get involved with and there is no pressure to create an expensive costume.
“Bullying can happen to anyone of any age and can be physical, mental or emotional. Finding the right support is vital to tackling the issues many of us face.
"While anyone has the potential to be bullied, some groups are more vulnerable and at greater risk of being targeted. It is really important that we understand the issues that young people face and focus on these when we raise awareness to prevent and tackle prejudice-driven bullying.
Person:Councillor Ivan Ould, cabinet member for children and families
Schools can download a school pack and find out more.
During the week schools will be undertaking their own awareness raising activities, while the council's anti-bullying team will be delivering governor training and supporting training for the wider children’s workforce about homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.