Sexual and sexist bullying guide

This guide is designed to advise on how to prevent and appropriately respond to sexual and sexist bullying in education settings. Although it refers to schools throughout, the content is relevant to various settings where adults support children and young people.

The guide draws on legal as well as government guidance. It incorporates input from specialist organisations and children and young people, including those with special educational needs.

Sexual and sexist bullying is defined in this guide as ‘any bullying behaviour that is sexual or sexist in nature’. It gives clear steps around how to accurately identify this type of bullying.

There are practical tips and examples throughout the guide, with consideration given to at risk groups and cultural sensitivities.

Using this resource

This resource is designed for:

• use by mental health leads working with students aged 5 to 19.
• use by staff working in primary schools, secondary schools, colleges (sixth form and FE) and special schools.

Learning outcomes

This resource addresses the following learning outcomes:

• Connect different policies and processes (equality & diversity, bullying & harassment, behaviour and safeguarding) to ensure they are working together to support wellbeing.
• Use their knowledge to effectively communicate a positive values-based approach, and to promote openness and understanding to normalise mental health and its fluctuations throughout life.