‘Bullying can take many forms – but we can build a future where it’s no longer the norm’

It’s important to take a moment and reflect on the profound impact that bullying continues to have on the lives of children and young people across the UK.

In the classroom, on the playground, and online, bullying can take many forms – from physical and verbal abuse to the more subtle and insidious forms of exclusion and discrimination. The theme of Anti-Bullying Week recently was ‘Choose Respect’ and speaks to the power of individual choices in creating safer and more supportive environments for everyone.

At Diversity Role Models, we’ve been working tirelessly for over a decade to challenge bullying and discrimination through education and awareness. We know that respect is not just a word – it’s a value that must be lived every day.

It’s about teaching young people that how we treat one another shapes the communities we belong to, and that kindness, empathy, and respect are powerful antidotes to the hatred and prejudice that fuel bullying.

Bullying is not just about isolated incidents – it’s a systemic problem that affects young people on a deep emotional, mental, and social level. The long-term consequences can be devastating, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, and a sense of isolation. It’s no surprise that our own research shows young people who experience bullying are more likely to struggle with their mental health as they grow older.

Being perceived as ‘different’ at school can often lead to bullying. This was highlighted in our ‘Embracing Difference, Ending Bullying’ Impact Report, following our three-year programme with the Department for Education, which found that marginalised students face higher rates of bullying, with 32% of secondary students reporting bullying based on sexuality and 34% based on looks.

While the problem is significant, so too are the opportunities we have to address it. The call to ‘Choose Respect’ is one that we all need to heed. This theme invites us to reflect on the choices we make, both big and small, and how those choices can help create environments where everyone feels valued and included.

At Diversity Role Models, we believe that the solution to bullying lies in education. We know that bullying is often rooted in ignorance or fear – fear of difference, fear of the unknown, or fear of being left out. That’s why we work directly with schools, teachers, and young people to provide the tools and support they need to break down these barriers. Our programmes aim to create safe spaces where pupils can learn about diversity, challenge stereotypes, and build empathy.

We also believe that representation matters. When young people see themselves and others reflected in the stories they hear, they are more likely to develop a sense of belonging and respect.

Through our workshops and events, we bring diverse role models into classrooms – from LGBTQ+ individuals to those with different ethnic backgrounds or abilities. These role models don’t just speak about their experiences – they share their lived realities, offering young people the chance to see that respect and understanding can bridge even the widest of divides.

But education doesn’t stop at school gates. Parents, carers, and communities play an essential role in nurturing respect and empathy in children. It’s vital that we all ‘choose respect’ in our daily lives, as our behaviour, whether online or offline, has an impact on young minds.

Respect is not passive. It’s a dynamic and active practice, and it’s up to each of us to embody it in how we speak, how we treat others, and how we stand up against bullying when we see it. In the face of prejudice or cruelty, the choice to ‘Choose Respect’ is a powerful one – and it’s one that can change lives.

Let’s commit to creating spaces where every young person feels seen, heard, and respected. Let’s choose respect in our words, actions, and attitudes. As partners of the Metro Pride Awards, we’ll talk more about our work at next year’s ceremony taking place during LGBT+ History Month. Together, we can build a future where bullying is no longer the norm, but kindness, understanding, and acceptance are.

Alex Fies-Bryce is the CEO of Diversity Role Models

Diversity Role Models is the official charity partner for the Metro Pride Awards