7.4) Appearance targeted

Rating description: 

  • Fully met: We collect data about whether this type of bullying is an issue in school, and this data shows us this type of bullying isn’t a concern. We also actively work to prevent and respond to any bullying targeted at these pupils.
  • Partially met: We collect data about whether this type of bullying is an issue in school, and this data highlights that this type of bullying is an issue, therefore we are actively working to prevent and respond to this type of bullying.
  • Not yet met: We do not collect data about whether this group is more at-risk of being bullied / bullying others (or if this type of bullying is an issue in school).

Why is this important?

Research shows that targeting an aspect of a person's appearance is often the most common reason for children and young experiencing bullying. It can often be linked with other types of bullying such as racist bullying, disablist bullying, sexist bullying and bullying of LGBT children and young people. 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.

Top Tips:

  • While we know that children whose appearance is different are 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. 
  • Appearance-related bullying is bullying that targets an aspect of a person's appearance. For example, they could be bullied for their size, height or disfigurement. It can often be linked with other types of bullying such as racist bullying, disablist bullying, sexist bullying and bullying of LGBT young people. It is often thought of as the most common reason for children experiencing bullying.
  • It's important to celebrate difference in your school or setting. ABA in collaboration with Alliance for Inclusive Education and Changing Faces produced some Top Tips for schools on celebrating difference as part of Anti-Bullying Week 2017. 
  • Always challenge discriminatory and prejudicial language. We know that there can sometimes be a thin line between acceptable and unacceptable language so we have developed resources to help identify the difference between 'banter' and bullying, for example.  
  • Make sure that your reporting and recording system has a way of identifying and tracking this type of bullying, so that you can spot potential trends and address them sooner rather than later.  
  • We recommend completing our free CPD online training course on Appearance Targeted Bullying as well as the Bullying and Difference course. 

Resources & Examples: 

Resources

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.