All bullying over identity is wrong, says church

Head bishop says schools must avoid ‘diminishing the dignity’ of individuals

Children should be able to try out “the many cloaks of identity” without being labelled or bullied, the Church of England has said.

In new advice issued to its schools, the Church said youngsters should be free to “explore the possibilities of who they might be”.

Guidance for Church of England schools on homophobic bullying was first published three years ago and has now been updated to cover transphobic and biphobic bullying.

Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying causes “profound damage”, makes children feel unsafe and puts their education at risk and schools must take action to tackle it, the guidance says.

The advice goes on to say: “In the early years context and throughout primary school, play should be a hallmark of creative exploration.

“Pupils need to be able to play with the many cloaks of identity (sometimes quite literally with the dressing up box). Children should be at liberty to explore the possibilities of who they might be without judgment or derision.

“For example, a child may choose the tutu, princess’s tiara and heels and/or the fireman’s helmet, tool belt and superhero cloak without expectation or comment.”

In a foreword to the advice, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, says: “All bullying, including homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying, causes profound damage, leading to higher levels of mental health disorders,self-harm, depression and suicide.

“Central to Christian theology is the truth that every single one of us is made in the image of God. Every one of us is loved unconditionally by God.

“We must avoid, at all costs, diminishing the dignity of any individual to a stereotype or a problem.”

Campaigning body Stonewall said: “Our research shows nearly half of lesbian, gay, bi and trans pupils are bullied for being LGBT at school, a situation that desperately needs to change.

“We would like to congratulate the church for sending a clear signal that homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying must never be tolerated.”

The Church of England has 4,700 schools teaching a million pupils.

Picture: PA. The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby points out all forms of bullying can lead to mental health disorders and even suicide.