Being in a school environment with peers can be a positive experience for many children and youth. However, a significant number of students in Canada face the harsh reality of being bullied due to aspects of their identity, which can severely impact their sense of belonging and overall well-being.
This harmful form of bullying, known as identity-based or bias-based bullying, has detrimental effects on children’s mental and physical health, academic performance, and social interactions. As researchers in psychology and directors of the Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network (PREVNet), we have developed accessible learning modules aimed at helping educators recognize and address identity-based bullying. While these resources are tailored for educational settings, they can also benefit parents and other adults who influence children's social interactions.
The Impact of Bullying
Bullying encompasses aggressive behavior that is unwanted and often repeated over time. It can manifest in various forms, including verbal, social, physical, and cyberbullying, and typically occurs within relationships marked by a power imbalance. In identity-based bullying, this imbalance reflects larger societal power dynamics.
Discrimination against groups such as Indigenous youth, Black youth, 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, and youth with disabilities is well-documented in Canada. These experiences of discrimination are rooted in the country's settler-colonial history, which has established social hierarchies based on race, class, and other factors. Consequently, groups that conform more closely to these dominant societal norms gain greater power, while those who do not continue to experience marginalization.
The Role of Schools
As societal institutions, schools reflect the discrimination and oppression present in the broader community. Identity-based bullying often mirrors these power imbalances, affecting students' experiences and interactions. For instance, a recent survey revealed that one in three students in Canada reported experiencing identity-based bullying related to aspects such as race, body weight, or sexual orientation. Research indicates that students who face multiple forms of identity-based bullying are more likely to avoid school activities, but those who feel supported by adults in their school environment report less avoidance.
Strategies for Educators
To combat identity-based bullying, educators can implement several strategies:
1. Review School Policies: Examine school board policies on bullying to ensure they address the role of social identities. Work towards amending them if necessary.
2. Self-Reflection: Educators should explore their own biases and consider how these may influence classroom dynamics.
3. Model Positive Behavior: Adults should demonstrate respectful and inclusive behavior, celebrating the strengths of all students and intervening constructively when bullying occurs.
4. Encourage Positive Peer Interactions: Create group opportunities that promote inclusion and collaboration among students, especially those who are typically excluded.
5. Empower Students: Teach all students how to recognize and address identity-based bullying, equipping them to become supportive allies.
6. Foster Inclusive Environments: Work towards creating a welcoming atmosphere through curriculum review and the promotion of initiatives such as clubs for marginalized groups.
These strategies can be further enhanced through engagement with our anti-bullying training modules, which focus specifically on identity-based bullying.
By implementing these approaches, educators and caring adults can help children distinguish between negative and positive uses of power, encouraging them to foster inclusive and respectful environments where all students feel safe and valued.
