International Day against Violence and Bullying at School, including Cyberbullying

The International Day against Violence and Bullying at School, including Cyberbullying, is observed every year on the first Thursday of November. It draws attention to the harm caused by bullying in classrooms and online, and encourages students, families, educators, and communities to help make learning environments safer and more welcoming.

How the day started

According to UNESCO, France, Mexico, and Morocco proposed the international day to address the root causes of violence and promote respect for students’ rights and zero tolerance for violence. UNESCO’s member states proclaimed the observance in 2019. Its focus includes cyberbullying and the connection between bullying offline and online.

The observance is a chance to bring the issue into the open and share ways to prevent harm. UNESCO describes the day as an opportunity to bring partners together and focus attention on ending violence, including bullying in schools and online. Schools, families, classmates, and online communities all have a part to play in creating respectful spaces and responding when someone needs help.

Understanding bullying at school and online

Bullying may involve repeated hurtful behavior, such as insults, exclusion, threats, or physical aggression. Cyberbullying uses digital communication to harass, embarrass, or threaten someone. A hurtful post, message, or image can be difficult to escape when it follows a student beyond the school day and into their home life.

Violence and bullying can make it difficult for students to concentrate, attend classes, or take part in school activities. A supportive response begins with listening calmly and taking the student’s experience seriously. Children may worry that speaking up will make things worse, so it helps when trusted adults make clear that asking for help is appropriate and that they will respond thoughtfully.

Prevention is about more than punishment after an incident. UNESCO highlights political leadership, collaboration, teacher training, and positive school environments as parts of efforts to address school violence. Families can talk about kindness, boundaries, and responsible online behavior. Students can help by refusing to join in, checking on someone who is being targeted, and telling a trusted adult when they see bullying.

Ways to take part

Mark the day with practical actions that fit your school, family, or community:

• Start a conversation. Ask children what respectful behavior looks like in class, on the playground, and in group chats. Listen without rushing to judge or solve the problem.
• Review how to get help. Find out which teacher, counselor, school leader, or other trusted adult students can approach. Make sure reporting options are clear and easy to understand.
• Practice an online response. Talk through what to do if someone receives a cruel message or sees a harmful post: avoid forwarding it, save relevant information if appropriate, use the platform’s reporting tools, and tell a trusted adult.
• Build a welcoming classroom. Invite students to suggest simple ways to include classmates, show respect during disagreements, and make shared spaces feel safe.
• Support someone who is being targeted. Offer a kind word, spend time with them, or help them reach an adult. Do not pressure them to handle the situation alone.
• Share reliable information. Schools and community groups can use the day to point families toward their existing policies, support services, and guidance for responding to bullying and cyberbullying.

Reviewed by the Holiday List editorial team on November 4, 2026 · Last updated November 4, 2026.

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