Young carers and bullying

Young carers and bullying

Young carers are more likely to experience bullying behaviour. This may include comments targeted at their home situation, but equally other forms of bullying behaviour such as physical abuse, coercion or social exclusion.  

What to do if your child experiences bullying 

In school

The school has a legal duty to prevent all forms of bullying.  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

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

If the bullying is 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.  

Additional information and support 

Carers Trust - a charity to support unpaid carers

Help for young carers - NHS advice for young carers

Childline - Childline advice for young carers