Twenty-eight years after the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, Northern Ireland continues to build a more peaceful and inclusive society. However, sectarian divisions persist. Sectarian bullying behaviour remains a pressing issue across schools, communities, and online spaces, impacting children’s wellbeing and social cohesion.
What is sectarianism?
Sectarianism in Northern Ireland refers to the discrimination, prejudice, or hostility based on perceived religious or political identity, particularly between Protestant and Catholic communities. It manifests in cultural, political, and social divides, influencing education, sports, and public spaces.
What is sectarian bullying behaviour?
Sectarian bullying behaviour is the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power, and the actions are motivated by discrimination, hostility, or prejudice based on religious or political affiliation, particularly between Protestant and Catholic communities in Northern Ireland. It can be physical, verbal, or psychological and may occur face-to-face or online.
Sectarian bullying behaviour in Northern Ireland must be understood within the broader context of historical and intergenerational trauma that continues to shape family dynamics and community relations. Research into sectarian bullying behaviour must account for these wider networks of trauma, recognising that harmful behaviours in schools or youth settings often reflect broader societal tensions and do not function in isolation.
What types of sectarian bullying behaviour are taking place?
Sectarian bullying behaviour manifests in various forms, reflecting both traditional and modern expressions of sectarian division.
Some of the most common types include:
- VERBAL ABUSE: Sectarian slurs, name-calling, and offensive chants remain a frequent form of bullying behaviour. Words like "Hun" and "Fenian" continue to be used as insults, reinforcing division.
- PHYSICAL BULLYING: Some young people report being targeted for physical aggression because of their perceived community background.
- SOCIAL EXCLUSION: Many children experience being deliberately left out of activities due to their religion or perceived identity.
- ONLINE HARASSMENT: Sectarian bullying behaviour has moved beyond physical spaces and is now common on social media, with young people facing threats, abuse, and intimidation online.
“With certain creators on Live, it is widely known if they Protestant or Catholic, there'll be people in the comments being like, oh, you're a taig or a hun, like, something like that there.”
- Young person from our focus groups
The prevalence of sectarian bullying behaviour in Northern Ireland in 2025
Our research has revealed that sectarian bullying behaviour remains a serious concern in Northern Ireland, affecting young people across different settings. Research from 2024 reveals that 81% of parents and 95% of school staff believe sectarian bullying behaviour is still an issue. While schools and community groups have worked to promote inclusion, our research and consultation has suggested that sectarian tensions continue to influence interactions between young people.
Read our research about the prevalence of sectarian bullying here.
Preventing and responding to sectarian bullying behaviour
While the majority of school staff acknowledge sectarian bullying behaviour as an issue, confidence in addressing it remains low. Only 22% of educators reported feeling "very confident" in tackling sectarian bullying behaviour, with many citing a lack of training and clear guidance.
That’s why we have produced a guide for the children’s workforce exploring how to prevent and respond to sectarian bullying behaviour among children and young people in Northern Ireland.
Read our guide for the Children’s Workforce here.
Access our CPD online training on sectarian bullying here.
Get involved with our work in Northern Ireland
ABA’s Northern Ireland Working Group: This group is open to ABA members working in Northern Ireland. It focuses on anti-bullying policy, campaigning (including Anti-Bullying Week and Odd Socks Day), and practice in Northern Ireland. With over 50 members, the group played a key role in shaping the project’s outputs. You can find out more about the group here.
Interested in becoming a member? Find out more about membership here.