Rising school suspensions for discriminatory bullying
3 mins read
Monday 1 June 2026
Contact’s head of campaigns, Una Summerson, was interviewed on BBC Radio 5 Live last week talking about new figures that show a sharp rise in school suspensions linked to racist, homophobic and disablist abuse.
Education specialists say the increase reflects wider pressures facing children and schools, including reduced anti-bullying support, the impact of social media, and rising tensions in society.
Listen to Una’s interview on Radio 5 Live here at 2:23:26:
In her interview on the radio programme Una said: “Our helpline hears first-hand from parents whose children are being bullied and the distress this causes. It can have a long-term impact on their child and the whole family, if for example a child can no longer go to school and has to be home educated or parents have to find another school.
“Sadly, some disabled children don’t feel safe or secure at school because they are being bullied because of their disability and a lack of understanding of their disability. It’s really important that schools deal with all forms of bullying more effectively. Difference should never be a reason to be bullied at school – or in the wider community. Families tell us that they feel that there more general hostility and negative attitudes directed towards them which will inevitably filter down into school playgrounds and communities. It’s essential that schools talk about difference and are proactively challenge bullying in school and disablist language.”
Research shows that disabled children are more likely to be bullied due to a lack of understanding of different disabilities and conditions, which might mean they might look or behave differently. And disabled children may be more isolated due to their disability.
Reporting bullying can be difficult for a disabled child who may not be able to communicate what has happened or may not even realise that they are being bullied. Parents know their child best and can recognise changes in behaviour. If you know or suspect bullying is taking place it’s important to keep a record, explain the impact on the child to the school and try to work together to put strategies in place to ensure the bullying stops and your child feels safe.
Contact’s advice about bullying
Read our webpage about ways schools can deal with bullying.
Find out more about helping your child respond to bullying.
Take a look at our information and advice about bullying on our website. https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/education-learning/bullying/