Standing up: Tackling Sexism, Bullying & Low self-esteem in Liverpool's High Schools.

At The Big Trust, we believe every young person deserves to feel safe, heard, and respected at school. But for too many across The Liverpool City Region, school can be a place of fear - not learning. Whether it's bullying in the corridors, sexist jokes in the classroom, or discrimination based on race, gender or sexuality, the damage runs deep.

Its 2025, time to change that - for good.

Why this matters in Liverpool

In Liverpool

1. Over 32% of children live in poverty, one of the highest rates in England.

2. Mental health issues among young people are rising, with low self-esteem and isolation becoming common.

3. And according to the latest youth surveys, discrimination and harassment in schools are still worryingly under-reported.

How schools can tackle bullying

Bullying is not "just part of growing up". It's trauma. It affects attendance, academic results, and long-term mental health. Here are a few ideas how schools and staff can help:

Zero tolerance with real follow-through

Too many anti-bullying policies live in handbooks, not hallways. Enforce consequences fairly and consistently.

Create a culture of listening

Anonymous reporting boxes, peer mentors, and safe conversations with trusted staff are vital. Make it easy to speak up.

Educate, don't just punish

Use PSHE lessons, and real-life scenarios to show how bullying hurts - and how to build empathy.

Confronting Sexism in the classroom

Sexism in schools shows up in subtle and serious ways:

1. Being interrupted in class.

2. Being judged on what you're wearing.

3. Being told "girls aren't good at that".

   
   

How to fight it:

Train teachers to spot and stop it

From sexist banter to gendered assumptions, staff need to challenge it every time.

Challenge internalised sexism

Run workshops that break down myths about gender roles, body image, and "what's normal".

Make space for female voices

Representation matters. Invite women leaders, run girls' leadership groups, and celebrate achievements.

Standing up to all forms of discrimination

Whether it's racism, ableism, homophobia or transphobia - every student has the right to feel safe and proud of who they are.

Build inclusive policies

Make sure equality and diversity are embedded into your school rules, displays, and assemblies.

Celebrate differences, loudly

From Black History month to LGBTQ+ awareness, make sure diversity isn't just mentioned - its celebrated.

Don't make it a one off

Anti-racism or anti-homophobia work isn't a single workshop. It's ongoing, year-round commitment.

How The Big Trust is helping in Liverpool

Through our school partnerships, mentoring, and youth voice projects, we're working across the city region to:

1. Deliver workshops on gender equality and respect

2. Run peer-led campaigns on anti-bullying

3. Provide training for school staff on inclusion and safeguarding

4. Support young people one-to-one who've experienced discrimination.

   
   

What can you do?

Are you a student?

• Speak up if something feels wrong. You have a right to be safe.

• Support your friends. Being an ally matters.

• Know who you can talk to - a teacher, a mentor, or even us.

Are you a teacher or parent?

• Start conversations.

• Intervene early.

• Challenge the idea that "kids will be kids".

Want to help more?

• Volunteer, donate, or partner with The Big Trust.

• Every voice and every pound helps us reach more young people.

Let's build respect together

We work alongside partners like Merseyside Police, Local councils, and community organisation to make sure young people are heard - and protected.

Liverpool's young people deserve better. Together, we can build schools where everyone feels proud to be themselves - and where bullying, sexism, and discrimination have no place.

Because the next time a young person feels afraid to walk into school, let's make sure they know we're all fighting for them.

Speak up. Be part of the solution.