What we do One Kind Word - National Bullying Prevention Week Bully Zero is proud to host National Bullying Prevention Week. Bullying impacts over 2m Australians every year: whether its young people at school; employees in the workplace or all ages online, many face the challenging impacts of becoming targets of bullying behaviours. Why is this week necessary? According to statistics, 1 in 4 young people and up to 1 in 9 employees experience bullying. Millions of Australians are impacted directly and indirectly each year. In addition, approximately one in five school students reported experiencing online bullying in any one year and up to 100,000 school children stay home each day because they feel unsafe. Research has shown that victims of bullying report more severe anxiety symptoms than others. Being bullied is also linked to social anxiety, which often lasts into adulthood and increases the risk of developing personality disorders. Depression is another negative consequence of bullying, which might lead to suicidal ideation and even suicide attempts. The National Bullying Prevention Week will serve as an important platform to raise awareness of bullying and its impact on individuals and communities. The week will also help Bully Zero to raise vital funds to deliver our education and support programs across Australia. The Theme - ONE KIND WORD We are proud to partner with the Anti-Bullying Alliance - a unique coalition of organisations and individuals in the UK, working together to achieve its vision: stop bullying and create safer environments in which children and young people can live, grow, play and learn. The Alliance have successfully held their own week in the UK for many years and developed the 'One Kind Word' theme for 2021. Kindness is more important today than it has ever been. The isolation of the past year has underlined how little acts of consideration can break down barriers and brighten the lives of people around us. This is one of the reasons that "One Kind Word" has been chosen as the theme for National Bullying Prevention Week. This week is going to be about hope and the positive and kind things we can do to prevent hurtful behaviour in its tracks. BEST OF ALL - ONE KIND WORD LEADS TO ANOTHER! Bullying has a long lasting effect on those who experience and witness it. But by channelling our collective power, through shared efforts and shared ambitions, we can reduce bullying together. From parents and carers, to employees and employers, to the media and politicians, to children and young people, we all have a part to play in coming together to make a difference. We’re all a piece in the puzzle, and together, we’re united against bullying. Meet Hiro Harry is now known as Hiro. A16-year-old young man who spends his days educating the community and protecting civilians from people who try to bring them down. He promotes kindness and wants to partner with YOU to stand up for those who have been bullied and bring safety, respect and harmony to all lives. Find out more about Hiro