Did you know that no name calling week was last week from 20 to 24 January? Well, what’s it about?

No name calling week seeks to end name calling and bullying in schools. This campaign aims to have a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. Students learn the importance of countering biases and bullying in the classroom.

This campaign was founded in 2004 by GLSEN and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. No name calling week was inspired by the novel The Misfits. Written by James Howe, the students who, after experiencing name-calling, ran for student council on a No Name-Calling platform and organise “No Name Calling Day”. 

The focus this year is on #KindnessInAction and #CelebrateKindness. We would want not only to recognise kindness, but also incorporate kindness into our actions.

SAFE

If you are being called names or bullied, remember the four ways to stay SAFE:

Say how you feel: Tell the person who is bullying you or calling you names the way their actions make you feel.

Ask for help: Sometimes you can’t handle the situation yourself, asking for help would greatly assist your circumstances. Find a teacher or other school staff member to talk to.

Find friends: Surround yourself with those who make you feel good about yourself. The person calling you names might think twice before picking on you when you’re with your friends.

Exit the area: While it may seem like you are not doing anything or even running away, sometimes walking away from someone who is picking on you is the best way to end things.

Let’s work towards a bully free future for our children!