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Prejudice based bullying

Prejudice based bullying is bullying behaviour that is motivated by a prejudice based on an individual’s actual or perceived identity.

It can be based on characteristics unique to a person’s identity or circumstance.

To address the years of unfavourable treatment experienced by some groups, The Equality Act (2010) makes it unlawful to discriminate against people with a protected characteristic. However, this has not eradicated prejudice based bullying altogether and many people have an unconscious bias.

Protected characteristics are:

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Gender reassignment
  • Pregnancy and maternity
  • Marriage and civil partnership
  • Race
  • Sex
  • Religion or belief
  • Sexual orientation

Prejudice based bullying covers everyone because we all have protected characteristics, but prejudice can and does extend beyond these and can lead to bullying for many other reasons such as:

  • Having additional support needs
  • Body image and physical appearance
  • Belonging to Gypsy or Traveller communities
  • Care experienced children and young people
  • Lack of awareness about the differences in practices of religions. For example prayer times, dietary requirements, fasting and the wearing of religious clothing or articles of faith can result in misunderstandings and stereotyping, which may lead to bullying.
  • Sectarianism: Most people understandably associate sectarianism with religion, however the reality of prejudice means that your family background, the football team you support, the community you live in, the school you attend and even the colour of your clothing can mark you out for sectarian abuse
  • Young Carers: The lives of young carers can be significantly affected by their responsibility to care for a family member who has a physical illness or disability, mental health problem, sensory or learning disability or issues with the misuse of drugs or alcohol.
  • Socio-economic prejudice: Bullying due to socio-economic status can take place in any community. Small differences in perceived family income, living arrangements, social circumstances or values can be used as a basis for bullying behaviours.