BBC Radio One will spearhead a new Beat Bullying campaign with on-air messages in the coming week encouraging listeners to visit its One Life website.

People can wear a special anti-bullying wristband to show that they are determined together to 'beat bullying' and support friends who are being targeted. Stars including Damon Albarn from Blur and footballer Wayne Rooney are already sporting them.

Famous musicians, sports stars and celebrities will also read lines from a poem written by a victim of bullying for broadcast on national television as part of the campaign. Schools will also be urged to sign up to an anti-bullying Charter for Action.

Schools Minister Stephen Twigg said it is crucial that children who are being bullied know that they are not alone.

"We want all young people to 'make a stand and wear a band.'

"Wearing the band will give young people the opportunity to make a visible commitment that they are not prepared to tolerate bullying and will stand by their friends."

The Anti-Bullying Alliance of over 50 organisations is also running events across the country. They aim to develop new approaches to tackling bullying such as using text messaging to report bullying incidents and schemes where young people can support each other.

Anti-Bullying Week builds on the Government's 'Make the Difference' campaign which has held nine dedicated regional conferences involving over 5,000 head teachers, teachers, pupils and anti-bullying experts to learn the latest anti-bullying techniques and share best practice.