Children and adults across the country are expected to don odd socks on Tuesday, 12th November, as they show their support for Odd Socks Day during Anti-Bullying Week.

The campaign, co-ordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance and supported by SafeToNet, gives children the chance to celebrate what makes us all unique in a fun way and raise money for a good cause. Last year’s Odd Socks Day reached almost four million pupils.

It is expected that over three-quarters of schools will celebrate Anti-Bullying Week, supported by O2. This year highlights how ‘Change Starts With Us’ showing we can all do something to lessen the impact of bullying.

CBeebies star Andy Day, along with his band Andy and the Odd Socks, have created a new song and video to mark Anti-Bullying Week called ‘Change’.

Andy Day said: “This is our third year working with Anti-Bullying Alliance and each year we are seeing an increase in support for such an important issue. Encouraging acceptance of individuality at an early age can help prevent bullying later in life and raising awareness on this is crucial.

“Highlighting the important issue of bullying in a fun way, Odd Socks Day aims to not only encourage children to be themselves, accepting one another, but also aims to celebrate what makes us all unique.

“This is why we’re calling for all schools to don a pair of odd socks and get involved. We’d love your support!”

Martha Evans, Director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, added: “We all have one thing in common: we’re all different! Celebrating difference in all of us is a powerful commitment, and can act as a giant step in addressing bullying. We are delighted that schools, children, parents, grandparents and workplaces will be wearing their odd socks with pride.”

Sharon Pursey, Co-Founder of SafeToNet, said: “We are so pleased to be working with the Anti-Bullying Alliance on this important campaign. The passion they have for anti-bullying is infectious and totally matches our objectives to develop technology that can help minimise bullying and its negative effects: it is at the heart of all we do and stand for. Supporting Odd Socks Day is important to us as it brings an element of fun to what is such an important message. We are all different and should celebrate it.”