News & opinion

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News & opinion — 15 Jun 2026

ABA response to the Government's proposed social media ban for under 16s

The Anti-Bullying Alliance shares the Government's desire to better protect children and young people online. Too many children experience bullying, harassment and abuse through digital platforms, which can have a significant impact on their wellbeing, mental health and education.

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News & opinion — 15 Jun 2026

My child is worried about today's social media ban announcement. What can I do?

Many children and young people will have seen headlines about a possible social media ban for under 16s and may be feeling confused, worried, angry or upset. At the Anti-Bullying Alliance, we know that online spaces can sometimes be places where bullying happens. However, they can also provide important sources of friendship, support and belonging. This can be especially true for children who are experiencing bullying, who may feel particularly connected to online communities, friendship groups or support networks that help them feel understood and less alone.

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News & opinion — 29 May 2026

Don’t just take our word for it: the research behind Anti-Bullying Week 2026: Break the Silence

Every year, Anti-Bullying Week shines a spotlight on an issue that affects millions of children and young people. But the theme for Anti-Bullying Week is never chosen at random.

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News & opinion — 22 May 2026

Children’s online lives in 2026: what Ofcom’s latest research tells us about bullying, belonging and wellbeing

Ofcom has published its latest Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes Report, offering a detailed picture of how children and young people across the UK are experiencing the online world in 2026. The report draws on interviews with more than 5,000 parents and carers of children aged 6 months to 17, alongside more than 3,400 interviews with children aged 8 to 17 themselves.

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News & opinion — 18 May 2026

Children suffering bullying in silence as Anti-Bullying Week 2026 launches “Break the Silence” theme

Over 200 young people help shape this year’s campaign as Anti-Bullying Alliance calls on the nation to start conversations about bullying

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News & opinion — 22 Apr 2026

Continuing Peter Smith’s legacy through research that makes a difference

When we began thinking about how best to honour the work and legacy of Peter Smith, one thing felt immediately clear to us at the Anti-Bullying Alliance. Peter never believed research should sit quietly on shelves.

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News & opinion — 21 Apr 2026

Almost 1 in 4 children experience bullying: new film encourages younger children to speak up

As part of its #There4Every1 campaign, the Anti-Bullying Alliance has launched a new animated short film designed to help younger children understand bullying and feel confident speaking up.

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News & opinion — 13 Apr 2026

Peter Smith webinar - sexist bullying

Join us online for Peter Smith webinar on sexist bullying, Tuesday 9th June, 2pm - 4pm

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News & opinion — 13 Apr 2026

Making online spaces safer for children: why the Anti-Bullying Alliance has backed new national principles

At the Anti-Bullying Alliance, we work every day with schools, children’s services, charities and young people themselves to understand what is happening in children’s lives. One message is consistently clear: bullying does not stop at the school gates. It follows children into their phones, their gaming spaces and their social platforms.

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Research — 24 Mar 2026

Children’s digital lives in 2026: what new Internet Matters research tells us about bullying, belonging and wellbeing

The Internet Matters Children’s Wellbeing in a Digital World: Year Five Index Report 2026 provides important new insight into how children are experiencing the online world today. Drawing on responses from over 1,000 families across the UK, the report explores how digital life is shaping children’s physical, emotional, social and developmental wellbeing. In this blog, the Anti-Bullying Alliance highlights what the report tells us specifically about bullying, belonging and children’s wellbeing online. While digital spaces continue to offer opportunities for connection, creativity and friendship, the findings also show that many children are still experiencing online harm, including abusive messages and bullying behaviours, and that time spent online is closely linked to both social connection and loneliness. These insights help us better understand the challenges children face today and reinforce why preventing bullying and supporting a strong sense of belonging remains essential both online and offline.

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News & opinion — 23 Mar 2026

EARLY BIRD: Save 20% on the Belonging Matters programme for 2026 to 27

Belonging Matters is a whole school programme from the National Children’s Bureau designed to help schools create environments where every pupil feels valued, connected and able to thrive.

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News & opinion — 20 Mar 2026

Join 2,400+ schools tackling bullying with United Against Bullying

More than 2,400 schools have already used the United Against Bullying programme from the Anti-Bullying Alliance to strengthen their whole-school approach to preventing bullying.

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