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Sectarianism and Bullying |
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Sectarianism, like bullying, takes many shapes and forms. Nil by Mouth's experience of working with young people of all ages and backgrounds is that name-calling is the most common form of sectarian bullying and that this can lead to violence. Sectarian bullying can be one-on-one, between groups of friends or gangs who identify themselves as belonging to different cultures. Sectarian attitudes can fuel bullying behaviour between pupils from different schools and young people from different communities.
While Sectarianism tends to be associated with religion, the issue also has a strong link to cultural and political differences. Judgements about perceived differences in identity can be based on your family background, the football team you support, the community you live in, the school you attend and even the colour of your clothing. This means that any young person can be a target for sectarian bullying - whatever their beliefs may be.
Sectarianism refers to divisions between different denominations of the same faith. In Scotland and Northern Ireland it is most commonly fuelled by attitudes towards perceived differences in Catholic and Protestant identities and cultures. Religions other than Christianity are also affected by Sectarianism globally, such as conflict between Sunni and Shia cultures within Islam.
Challenges of Sectarian Bullying:
- Children can be exposed to sectarian attitudes from a young age through attitudes and behaviour displayed by adult role models. This can encourage young people to develop damaging attitudes and become involved in bullying behaviour
- Acquiesce, or pressure to conform, is a common impact of sectarian bullying. Young people may switch their allegiances to a particular football team or conceal their religious beliefs in order to ‘fit in' or avoid being bullied
- Sectarianism can lead young people to make negative choices about their behaviour, such as believing that people from other denominations do not deserve to be treated with respect
- Some communities are perceived to be predominantly linked to a particular denomination. This can heighten a sense of difference and feelings of isolation, increasing the risk of bullying towards young people with different cultures or beliefs
Good Practice in Challenging Sectarian Bullying:
- Young people are naturally curious about religion. Education about different faiths and sectarianism encourages young people to be active participants in challenging sectarian bullying
- Sectarianism, focused on perceived differences between ‘sects' of the same religion', is distinct from prejudice between different religions. This should be recognised in all relevant policies in relation to equality and diversity
- Open discussions about sectarian language and symbols can challenge many of the historical and cultural myths which promote sectarian attitudes and behaviour
- Some children are brought up with the example that sectarian attitudes are acceptable. This attitude must be challenged consistently to prevent sectarian bullying. Rather than label children as ‘bigoted' we can listen to their experiences, highlight potential consequences and encourage a positive change in behaviour
- A strong and child-centred ethos of celebrating diversity can encourage everyone in your organisation to take responsibility for challenging sectarian bullying and supporting an equal culture of respect young people of all backgrounds
www.nilbymouth.org
http://www.ckclick.org.uk/news/nil-by-mouth/
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