7.6 Young carers

Rating description: 

  • Fully met: We 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), 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 targeted at these pupils.
  • Partially met: We 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), 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 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 children and young people who are Young Carers are more likely to experience bullying, including online bullying, than their peers. 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 who are Young Carers 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. 
  • A young carer is a child or young person under the age of 18 who helps look after someone in their family, or a friend, who is ill, disabled, living with a mental health condition or who misuses substances. 
  • Young carers have a range of responsibilities which might include caring for a sick relative or friend, or taking on the role of translator for their parents if English is not their first language. This can have a significant impact on their lives which can leave them feeling different or isolated from their peers. Young carers are a vulnerable group and are significantly more likely to be bullied face to face and online.
  • Young carers have told us they would like to speak to others in their situation, and that buddying or other peer support schemes would particularly benefit them. In collaboration with the Diana Award, ABA has created some Top Tips to help you with your peer support scheme. 
  • See our website page on Young Carers to learn how schools can play a vital role in supporting young carers and reducing barriers to their educational attainment and their wellbeing.
  • Some external services that school can turn to for support for Young Carers include:
    • Heath visitors;
    • Community Paediatrician;
    • Local Authority SEN tram;
    • Early Help team.
  • Schools can also use the help of ELSAs, emotional literacy support assistants, who are teaching assistants who have had special training from educational psychologists to support the emotional development of children and young people in school.
  • 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 the ABA online CPD training on Young Carers to upskill staff on this topic. 

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.   

See below for quotes and pieces of advice from other schools:

  • "The support available out there for Young Carers and how awareness is so important to helping identify them – we had a umber of Young Carers who we didn’t realise where Young Carers until we undertook training and raised awareness in school."

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.