Sexual/Sexist Bullying and Healthy Relationships

Any bullying behaviour, whether physical or non-physical, that is based on a person's sex. It is when a person's sex is used as a reason to target them. Although it is more commonly directed at girls, boys can also be subjected to this form of bullying. It can be carried out to a person's face, behind their back or through the use of technology.

For example:

• Teasing or putting someone down because of:
  • their sex life (e.g. because they haven't had sex or if they've had sex with a number of people)
  • their body (e.g. the size of their breasts, bottom or muscles)
• Using sexual words to put someone down (like calling someone 'slut' or 'bitch')
• Making threats or jokes about serious and frightening subjects like rape
• Spreading rumours about someone's sexual activity
• Touching parts of someone's body that they don't want to be touched
• Putting pressure on someone to act in a sexual way

If you wish to report concerns about child sexual abuse and/or exploitation, please click on the CEOP button below:

Abuse is not normal and never ok. If you are in a relationship with someone, you should feel safe, respected and free to be yourself. There are different forms of abuse, which you can find out about below, but if your relationship leaves you feeling scared, intimidated or controlled, it's possible you're in an abusive relationship.