LGBTQ bullying

LGBTQ bullying is any bullying behaviour where someone feels they are targeted for their sexuality and/or gender (whether actual or perceived). It can start from a young age, often as a result of learned behaviours and attitudes, and reinforcement of gender stereotypes.

It can include:

  • homophobic, biphobic and/or transphobic comments and remarks
  • physical abuse
  • manipulation
  • coercion
  • social exclusion
  • sexual violence and harassment

LGBTQ bullying can happen face to face and/or online. Children can experience bullying from other children and/or from adults. While schools must take action to prevent all forms of bullying behaviour, children with protected characteristics (which includes sexuality and gender) have additional protections under the Equality Act 2010. 

What to do if your child experiences bullying

In school

The school has a legal duty to prevent all forms of bullying, and under the Equality Act 2010 must prevent all forms of harassment targeting sexuality and gender. For more information see ‘Help with Bullying in School’.  In some instances, the bullying behaviour may also constitute a crime and you can contact the police on 101 in a non-emergency, or 999 in an emergency.  

Online

If the bullying is online – the majority of social media platforms have an acceptable use policy, and you can report incidents. If the perpetrators are from your child’s school, the school should take action to address their behaviour.  In some instances, the bullying behaviour, whether face to face and/or online, may also constitute a crime and you can contact the police on 101 in a non-emergency, or 999 in an emergency.   

In the community

The local authority has a duty to keep your child safe from harm. If you are worried about the safety of your child, contact your local children’s services team.  

Local support groups

Your child may benefit from joining a local LGBTQ support group for young people. 

Additional information and support

Stonewall 

EACH (Education Action Challenging Homophobia) 

Diversity Role Models

Just Like Us

Equality Advisory and Support Service

Mermaids

Hate crime

Victim Support

Talking about sexuality and gender with children

We have an important role to play in educating and encouraging our children to be inclusive of others and to embrace difference.  When they are young this includes making sure that the books and magazines they read, the films and television they watch, and the toys that they play with are inclusive and represent different types of families.  As they grow older it’s important, we challenge any discriminatory attitudes and encourage our children to listen and learn from others. It’s also important that we start by educating ourselves, that we understand the history of our country including how we have treated LGBTQ people in the past, and that we connect with people from a range of different backgrounds, listening, learning, and growing as allies.    

Books that promote inclusion 

LGBT picture books for children up to 5

LGBT books for teenagers

 

ZAP workshops for children impacted by bullying (available online and in the community)

ZAP workshops bring together children facing a similar situation and teach a range of tools to increase assertiveness, build confidence and help manage bullying situations. 

 

Find out more

Bullying Awareness Champion  training

Bullying Awareness 

Prevent all forms of bullying and keep children safe.

For staff For young people

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