Young Carers

Bullying of young carers or looked-after children, or otherwise linked to home circumstances

Children may be made vulnerable to bullying by the fact that they provide care to someone in their family with an illness, disability, mental health or substance-misuse problem.

Young carers may be taking on practical and emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult. Research has highlighted the difficulties young carers face, including risks of ill-health, stress and tiredness, especially when they care through the night. Many feel bullied or isolated. Children in care may also be vulnerable to bullying for a variety of reasons, such as their not living with their birth parents or because they have fallen behind in their studies.