This short briefing by the Anti-Bullying Alliance outlines how schools and other settings for young people can get involved in International Day to Combat Islamophobia this year.
About the Day
On the 15th March 2019, a terrorist went into two Mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand and killed 51 people during Friday prayers. The United Nations decided to ensure that people who were killed were remembered and to use the day to send a message to the world that we all have a duty to stand together against Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate. The first International Day to Combat Islamophobia was observed in 2021, and in 2022, The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution which designated 15 March every year as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. It aims to foster a culture of tolerance and peace, and highlights the importance of respecting human rights and diversity of religion and beliefs. This year it is taking part on Saturday 15th March 2025.
Bullying and Islamophobia
The United Nations defines Islamophobia as:
“a fear, prejudice and hatred of Muslims that leads to provocation, hostility and intolerance by means of threatening, harassment, abuse, incitement and intimidation of Muslims and non-Muslims, both in the online and offline world.”
2024 saw the highest number of anti-Muslim hate cases recorded in any year by Tell MAMA, a charity that measures anti-Muslim hate. Tell MAMA has reported over 6,313 cases of anti-Muslim hate in 2024. School staff need to be equipped with the confidence and skills to be able to challenge Islamophobia when they see it.
Research from the Anti-Bullying Alliance in 2023 has shown that 1 in four children report being bullied, and while there is no good quality research and data on Islamophobic bullying in schools, Tell MAMA and others have described how they are getting reports of concerns about children. Children are very likely to be exposed to hateful and divisive language in schools.
This gap in data and research is reflected in the need for resources to tackle faith-based bullying in schools in the UK. While we do need more data and a better understanding of Islamophobic bullying, we have created this short handout to give you some inspiration about how to get involved on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia this year.
How Can Schools Take Part?
We’ve written some ideas about how your school and setting can get involved in International Day to Combat Islamophobia and work to prevent Islamophobia all year round.
- CONDUCT FILM SCREENINGS AND BOOK CLUBS: Screen movies and documentaries in schools that address Islamophobia and its consequences. Follow these with moderated discussions or reflections amongst the students. You can find ideas for suitable movies and resources in the compiled resource list below.
- INVITE GUEST SPEAKERS: Invite activists, scholars, or community leaders that engage with issues related to Islamophobia to speak to students.
- CONDUCT A “UNITE AGAINST ISLAMOPHOBIA POSTER CAMPAIGN : Highlight the statistics on the prevalence of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim incidents, and particularly concentrate on messages of unity, tolerance, and understanding.
- HOST A SPECIAL ASSEMBLY: Inform students about the importance of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. In addition to presenting key facts and statistics, emphasise the importance of solidarity, respectful dialogue, and the richness and diversity within Islam.
- DISCUSSIONS SECTIONS: Facilitate and moderate discussions amongst student about Islamophobia and its impacts. You can find discussion points and guides on how to do so in the compiled resource list we have gathered. Consider the young people and staff in your school who may be
- PLEDGE AGAINST ISLAMOPHOBIA: Share your message on combating islamophobia, whether it be a simple message standing against Islamophobia, or a personal story. Create a "Pledge Wall" in school, an interactive space where students and staff can write or post pledges to combat Islamophobia
Resources to Help You
Explore these free resources to support you in addressing Islamophobic bullying throughout the year
- Anti-Bullying Alliance Guest Blog : "Building Bridges, Not Barriers: How Education Can Combat Islamophobia“ - Guest blog by Mohammed Ali Amla (Solutions Not Sides)
- Children’s Commissioner for Wales: Tackling Islamophobia: A Children’s Rights Resource for Secondary Schools in Wales - A teaching resource for KS3 and KS4 students using interactive activities and videos to inform students about Islamophobia.
- Diana Award Anti-Bullying Programme: Islamophobia and Bullying - This support article highlights the issue of bullying behaviour related to Islamophobia, explains what Islamophobia is and how it can be tackled in schools
- Equaliteach: Agents for Change - Young People Combatting Islamophobia, A Guide for Educators - This resource covers how to conduct pupil-led projects which tackle Islamophobia or other types of prejudice.
- Equaliteach: Faith in Us: Educating Young People about Islamophobia - This resource has been designed for primary and secondary teachers for use in the classroom to work with young people and educate about Islamophobia
- Facing History & Ourselves: 'Discussing Contemporary Islamophobia in the Classroom
- Frontline: Portraits of Ordinary Muslims - Documentaries and other resources to help people increase their understanding of the lives of Muslim people and Muslim culture
- Guardian: Four years after Christchurch massacre, families want to teach world about love
- Kidscape: A free interactive CPD session exploring the definition, causes, and prevalence of Islamophobia across the UK and tackling it through educational means
- Kidscape: blog on Islamophobia in UK Schools
- Maysoon Salama’s story as a victim of the Christchurch terrorist attacks.
- NASUWT: Preventing and Tackling Islamophobia - The resource delves into tackling Islamophobia and extremism in schools.
- NASUWT: Preventing and Tackling Islamophobia Northern Ireland
- Solutions Not Sides: Guide to How to Tackle Anti-Jewish and Anti-Muslim Bullying Around the Issue of Israel – Palestine
- Tell MAMA: Ramadan School Guide 2025
- YoungMinds: Resource on how to navigate the expectations and pressures of one's cultural identity and its impact on mental health
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