Labels & Language
From the work that we do with young people it is clear that they are not given the labels and language to define sexual bullying. The first step is for schools to define sexual bullying in the school anti-bullying policy and to then develop strategies to stop it. As a young woman at a school workshop in Haringey pointed out:
"I think that people need to be told clearly what is and what is not sexual intimidation, because I have never been quite sure... I think that more awareness should be raised."
We have worked with young people across the UK to develop a Code of Practice to define Sexual Bullying.
Click here to download the Code of Practice
Any bullying behavior, whether physical or non-physical, that is based on a person's sexuality or gender. It is when sexuality is used as a weapon by boys or by girls. It can be carried out to a person's face, behind their back or by use of technology.
For example:
- Using words that refer to someone's sexuality as a general put down (like calling something 'gay' to mean that it is not very good)
- Using sexual words to put someone down (like calling someone a 'slut')
- Making threats or jokes about serious and frightening subjects like rape
- Gossiping about someone's sex life - including the use of graffiti
- Touching someone in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable
- Touching parts of someone's body that they don't want to be touched
- Forcing someone to act in a sexual way
"Groping, grabbing, insults e.g. swear words, stereotypical gender roles, when appearance and sexuality are demonised." Young woman, school in Haringey, London
