Identity-based bullying among children and youth: Mental health, preventive measures, and treatment

The legislation is clear – all children have the right to be treated equally and with respect, without being subjected to abusive treatment, discrimination or bullying. Bullying is defined as repeated negative behavior aimed at harming or causing discomfort, where the victim is at a disadvantage. Research shows that bullying is increasing in Sweden and is often directed at children's identities, such as ethnicity or disability. The identity-based bullying is connected to what is referred to in legislation as the grounds of discrimination (e.g. ethnicity, disability). This means that identity-based bullying can be directed at specific identity markers of an individual, markers that can vary according to culture or dominant norms.

Bullying has been demonstrated to have some severe life consequences. Research shows that children who experience identity-based bullying are more likely to experience mental ill health compared to those who experience more traditional bullying and experience higher levels of anxiety and depression, which can lead to suicidal thoughts and suicide. Hence, being bullied influence everyday functioning, i.e., the experience of health and well-being and being capable of everyday activities. Research has shown that children exposed to identity-based bullying are particularly affected to severe life consequences. Thus, the aim is to investigate how identity-based bullying affects the consequences of every day functioning for children with one or more marginalized identities, with particular focus on ethnicity and autism.

Responsible researcher: Emily Lowe, RÖL (Extern)