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Schools and youth organisations across South Tyneside will come together next week to call an end to bullying.

As part of Anti-Bullying Week, which runs from 16 to 20 November, Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Participation Team is encouraging schools and young people to take to social media to share their successes and call out the bullies.

The week is run by the Anti-Bullying Alliance and seeks to highlight the misery that bullying can cause.

Posters designed by the Super Safety Squad highlighting top tips on how to be a good friend will be launched to mark the week and will be sent to all primary schools.

Children will also be encouraged to wear odd socks on Monday, 16 November, as way of celebrating each young person's individuality.

Councillor Moira Smith, Lead Member for Children, Young People and families, said: "Although, quite rightly, everyone's focus in recent months has been on defeating coronavirus, it would be wrong not to mark Anti-Bullying Week.

"Even in the midst of a pandemic bullying has the potential to destroy young lives so it is vital that we all come together to call a halt to bullying."

Councillor Smith added: "The theme of this year's Anti-Bullying Week is 'United Against Bullying' and, just as we have all stood together against COVID-19, it is vital that we stand firm against bullying and show the victims that we are here to support them."

Throughout the week schools will be sharing their anti-bullying success stories using the hashtag #WeAreFAB