7.3) Race & Faith, including Gypsy, Roma and Traveller

Rating description: 

  • Fully met: We collect data about whether any race or faith groups are more at-risk of being bullied / bullying others (or if this type of bullying is an issue in school), and this data shows us they are not more at-risk than their peers (or the type of bullying isn’t a concern within school). We also actively work to prevent and respond to any bullying that targets a pupil's race or faith.
  • Partially met: We collect data about whether any race or faith groups are more at-risk of being bullied / bullying others (or if this type of bullying is an issue in school), and this data highlights that this group is more at-risk (or this type of bullying is an issue in school), therefore we are actively working to prevent and respond to any bullying that targets a pupil's race or faith.
  • Not yet met: We do not collect data about whether any race or faith groups are more at-risk of being bullied / bullying others (or if this type of bullying is an issue in school).

Why is this important?

Race and faith-targeted bullying is bullying that is perceived by the victim or any other person to be racist or bullying that targets a person’s faith. We know that some race & faith groups may be more likely to experience bullying, including online bullying, than their peers (particularly if they appear to be a minority within a setting). By systematically recording and addressing these incidents, as well as raising awareness and celebrating difference across the wider school community, schools can help tackle these issues, identify patterns, implement targeted interventions, and provide tailored support to vulnerable groups. This proactive approach not only helps prevent further harm but also fosters a school culture where diversity is celebrated, and all pupils feel valued and safe.

Not only this, but it will ensure schools are following obligations under the Equality Act 2010, where race & religious beliefs are a protected characteristic. The protected characteristic of race includes, colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins. Under this duty, schools must challenge and prevent discriminatory language from being used. You can find out more via the Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance.

Top Tips:

  • While we know that children who are part of a minority race or faith group at school may be more at risk of bullying than their peers, it is important to acknowledge that this is because of external factors, attitudes of others, group dynamics, perceived differences, and systems in which children and young people live and learn; we should never imply to children that they are bullied because of who they are. 
  • It's important that your anti-bullying policy references the Equality Act 2010, and list the groups that have protected characteristics. 
  • We recommend taking our CPD online training course on Bullying and Difference and Bullying and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller young people
  • ABA in collaboration with The UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) have created some Top Tips for Schools to help you formulate a whole-school strategy to prevent and respond to race and faith targeted bullying. 
  • A great place to start is to have a listen to Anna Freud Centre and Black Learning Achievement (BLAM)'s podcast series about tackling racism and mental health at school. 
  • Here's a video with some top tips in preventing and responding to race and faith targeted bullying to get you started:

Resources & Examples:

Resources:

We have lots of resources around bullying and Race & Faith on the ABA website: 

Other external resources include:

  • Diverse Educators have an anti-racism toolkit which collates a bank of anti-racism resources for schools and other settings.
  • The Anne Frank Trust have school programmes which aim to teach young people about prejudice and equality. 
  • Equaliteach have free classroom resources for educators to use in their settings to promote equality, celebrate diversity and tackle discrimination.
  • Anna Freud have a bank of podcasts, e-learning and resources about racism, its impact on young people’s mental health, and what schools can do to address it.
  • Show Racism the Red Card have an Education Hub which includes lessons, videos, recommended reading lists, and blogs, all designed to develop understanding and knowledge around anti-racist practice, and supporting your commitment to creating and fostering a more inclusive learning environment for all.
  • The Black Curriculum is about empowering all students with a sense of national and cultural identity and belonging through the teaching of Black British history, and have resources on their websites to support this. 
  • Equality & Human Rights Commission published guidance and resources on preventing hair discrimination in schools, which is something that disproportionately impacts pupils from specific racial groups.
  • Childline has information and advice about racist bullying and faith-targeted bullying on their website.  
  • The Runnymede Trust has education resources about racism in schools.
  • The Muslim Mind Collaborative have resources about Islamophobia and bullying, and the impact it can have on mental health. 
  • The Diana Award co-created with young people a guide to anti-racist bullying, to equip educators with knowledge and tools to understand, recognise, and respond to racist bullying.
  • Find a list of primary school book recommendations for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller representation here. 
  • Advice for parents & carers about racist bullying can be found from Kidscape and Family Lives. 
  • Find out more about addressing the exclusions of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller children here.

Examples: 

Please note that examples from primary and other school settings may still include some useful hints and tips you can adapt and apply for a secondary setting.

Back to 7. At risk groups page

Note: the resources listed at the bottom of this page (below) have all been referenced in the text above.