Research has shown that young carers are a vulnerable group and are significantly more likely to be bullied. Understanding the challenges they face is key to protecting them from bullying.
Four secondary school age pupils smiling at their desk
What is a young carer?
Young carers are children and young people under 18 years old who provide regular and ongoing care to a family member who is physically or mentally ill, disabled or misuses substances (ADASS, ADCS and The Children’s Society, 2012).
Prevalence of bullying among young carers
Research has shown that young carers are a vulnerable group and are significantly more likely to be bullied. 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, they may miss out on social opportunities and are more likely to be bullied or harassed (Carers Trust, 2016).
Experiences of bullying among young carers
Experiences of bullying can vary greatly but young carers often report that their care responsibilities and family circumstances make them feel different and they find it more challenging to join peer groups. One young carer aged 12 reported:
I am always working on my own... I am like the odd one in my class… Because of caring I feel I am unusual… I ask if I am allowed to join [their groups] they say no.
Young carer
Department for Education, 2016
While there are many reasons why young carers are targeted, they often experience the bullying by their peers at school because of their circumstances or because they're perceived to be 'different'.
Some young carers are bullied because of the condition or illness of the person they care for, whilst others can be bullied because they appear to lack social skills or seem more mature than young people of the same age.
PRINCESS ROYAL TRUST FOR CARERS, 2010
Young carers describe feeling 'torn between two worlds' or responsibilities at home and at school. They report that it can be better when teachers know their situation, and allow some flexibility.
Issues arise when the teachers don’t know or don’t care and then punish me for being late, etc. It's demotivating- and makes me feel lonely and unsupported. Like I can’t do anything right.
Young carer
Anti-Bullying Alliance consultation (2018)
They also say there is a fine line between allowances for late homework or access to their phones, as they don't want to be marked out as 'special' or different by their peers as this can lead to bullying.
To find out more about bullying among young carers and to download the full research reports, please click on the attachments below.
For information on how schools can help young carers, please see our guidance.
This video was made by the Carers Trust:
A video from the Carers Trust - Protecting young carers from bullying