Bullied For My Beliefs Chelmsford

The rise of Islamophobia has not only affected the Muslim community on the streets or the workplace, it has also worryingly manifested itself in the playground. Our children have become a target of bullying in schools and are increasingly worried about their safety outside the home simply for being a Muslim.

Childline reports there has been around a 60% increase of bullying in schools and the most common phrases used to bully have been “bomber”, “terrorist” and “go back to where you came from”. These are the same phrases we see being hurled at the Muslim community in other spheres of life so it is clear that the majority of victims of child bullying are Muslim children.

As a result MEND has developed a presentation that is delivered to both Muslim and Non Muslim children in schools and madrasahs  to educate them about Islamophobic bullying. The presentation helps them to recognise it, report it and feel confident in being Muslim/ appreciating those who are Muslim.

London Regional Manager for MEND Mohammad Shoaib delivered this presentation  in Chelmsford, Essex. The first presentation was delivered at Iqra school and another in Chelmsford Mosque. The children were engaged throughout asking questions and taking in the fascinating history of Muslims in the UK. At the end of the presentation the children were tested of their knowledge of how to recognise Islamophobia and ways they can report it. They walked away with the confidence to be proud of being a Muslim living in the UK which is exactly the attitude the future of our community needs.