by Selena Whitehead, Head of Education, Aug 2025 This year’s Anti-Bullying Week theme, Power for Good, encourages everyone to speak up and raise awareness about bullying. This needs character! With approximately 40% of young people in the UK reporting they’ve been bullied in the past year, and 6% experiencing bullying daily, according to the Anti Bullying Alliance, schools are increasingly essential in tackling these issues. Adopting a character strengths approach can equip students with the tools to develop empathy, kindness and friendship and to create inclusive environments, supporting both mental health and positive school culture.
Why Addressing Bullying Matters
Bullying impacts deeply on young people, contributing to anxiety, depression and low self-esteem, as well as leading to increased absences and mental health issues. Preventing bullying effectively can lead to a healthier, safer school culture. For instance:
Attendance impact: According to OneEducation, 28% of students who missed school frequently reported incidents of bullying, with the rate rising to 44% for students absent for over two weeks.
Mental health and anxiety: OneEducation also highlights that pupils who were bullied were twice as likely to miss school for mental health reasons, with 32% citing anxiety-related absences (compared with 16% of non-bullied students).
Vulnerable groups: Certain cohorts, such as young people with SEND, LGBTQ+ pupils, and those from minority backgrounds, are more likely to face bullying.
Schools require proactive, empathy-driven approaches to build a positive school culture that supports each student’s unique needs.
How Character Strengths Address Bullying
Character strengths help students understand and manage difficult social dynamics. Students can see these values in action by using stories of role models who embody empathy, kindness and courage. This strengths-based approach not only helps victims of bullying but also provides positive strategies for bystanders and those at risk of engaging in bullying behaviours.
Implementing 3 Character Strengths to Support Anti-bullying
1. Courage: Empowering students to be brave and do the right thing, to stand up for what they believe in, even when it’s hard or they face disapproval.
Courage is one of our Strengths of Action, which involve what we do and how we do it. These strengths define how we face challenges, pursue goals and uphold our values. They are about the energy, determination and integrity we bring to our actions.
By learning to develop and use courage appropriately, young people begin to realise how capable they are. It helps them become the best version of themselves.
This year’s Power to Good theme requires courage to help equip students to become ‘upstanders’, who safely intervene in bullying situations.
Why it matters: Many students witness bullying but feel hesitant to speak up. Teaching courage encourages students to intervene or seek support.
Role model: Baroness Doreen Lawrence, who, following her son’s tragic murder, has spent her life highlighting the racism in the country and the misconduct of the Metropolitan (London) Police inspiring them to speak up against wrongdoing.
Student prompt: share a time you showed courage by helping someone.
2. Empathy: Understanding and sharing others’ perspectives
Empathy is one of our Strengths of the Heart, which help us to use our feelings. These strengths shape our ability to love, care and empathise with others and they help foster a sense of belonging. These strengths are distinct because they focus on emotional depth and how we connect to others. They are essential for building strong relationships, fostering wellbeing and creating a more compassionate world. Empathy is a key strength in bullying prevention that helps students relate to others and reduces aggressive behaviours.
Why it matters: Bullying often stems from a lack of understanding. Teaching empathy helps students see the effects of their actions and fosters an inclusive mindset.
Role model: Nadiya Hussain, who experienced racist bullying, now uses her empathy to connect with others. She promotes the importance of ‘making space’ for oneself and others – by consciously saying to herself ‘elbows out’. “I don’t mean a physical elbows out, but I mean that I need to make space. After all, if I can’t make space for myself, then how can I make space for everyone else?”
Discussion prompt: Think of a time when you empathised with someone else’s experience. How did that change your actions?
3. Open-mindedness: Enjoying difference and being open to different people and ideas. Considering different options before making a decision.
Open-mindedness is one of our Strengths of the Head, which influence how we think. These strengths are important because they shape our curiosity, creativity and openness to learning, allowing us to make sense of the world, solve problems and make informed decisions. These strengths are important for growth, adaptability and success. Practicing open-mindedness is fundamental to reducing conflict.
Taking time not to judge and label others boosts our happiness and results in better quality relationships.
Why it matters: Open-mindedness can change school culture by encouraging students to reach out to those who may feel isolated.
Role model: George Webster, who was born with Down syndrome, uses his talents as a TV presenter to encourage open-mindedness to all. He wrote a children’s book with Claire Taylor called This is Me saying, “Everyone has their own talents, uniqueness, strengths and weaknesses. We can all dream big, no matter who we are.” This open-minded approach encourages people to recognise what makes them special.
Class exercise: Discuss a time when you changed your mind about something important. What led to your change of mind?
Supporting Vulnerable Groups
As mentioned above, certain vulnerable groups face higher risks of bullying. Schools can take a proactive approach by embedding character strengths into the curriculum, teaching students to respect and support each other, regardless of background or identity.
Making Character Part of Your School Culture
Embedding character strengths into school culture provides students with the vocabulary and perspective to navigate complex social situations. When students have the tools to discuss challenges like bullying openly and constructively, they’re better equipped to build a safe, inclusive school environment.
Adopting a character strengths approach not only prevents bullying but also fosters a culture of kindness, understanding and support. With the right tools, students learn to value each other’s strengths, contributing to a more positive, inclusive school environment.
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