What if my child is bullied for being Muslim?

Listen and reassure first

Many children hide bullying because they feel ashamed or worry they'll make things worse. Start gently: "I've noticed you seem upset. Do you want to tell me what's going on?" Let them talk without interrupting, and avoid reacting with anger, which can make a child go quiet.

Say clearly that it is not their fault and that you're glad they told you. Being teased for faith, hijab, food or fasting says something about the bully, not about your child. If the bullying is physical or includes threats, treat it as urgent. For what your child can do for themselves, see What should I do if I'm bullied at school for being Muslim?

Talk to the school

• Keep a record: dates, times, what was said or done, who was there, and screenshots of any messages.
• Report in writing: email your child's teacher or head of year, so there is a record of when you raised it.
• Ask about policy: request the school's anti-bullying policy and what steps it will take.
• Follow up: if it continues, ask for a meeting and go higher, such as the head teacher or principal, if needed.

In many countries schools are expected to deal with harassment linked to religion. If the school doesn't act, you can contact the school district or governors and groups that support Muslims, such as CAIR in the US or Tell MAMA in the UK. If your child is in danger, call the emergency services. The Prophet ﷺ taught us to help the one who is wronged, and to stop the wrongdoer by preventing him from doing wrong (Sahih al-Bukhari 2444).

Build confidence at home

Talk with your child about how to reply calmly, such as "That's not funny" or "Islam is my religion, and I'm happy with it," and then walk away to a teacher. Practice it together at home. The Prophet ﷺ said the strong person is the one who controls himself in anger (Sahih al-Bukhari 6114). Staying calm is not weakness, and your child never has to fight back to prove it.

Help your child find friends who are kind, in school clubs, at the mosque or in community groups. Having even one or two good friends makes a big difference. See Can my children have non-Muslim friends?

Talk about it openly

Stay in touch with how your child is feeling in the weeks after. Prejudice can be confusing for children. Explain that most people are kind and that unkindness comes from ignorance. For a longer talk, see How do I talk to my kids about Islamophobia? If your child seems very low, anxious or afraid to go to school, a counselor or doctor can help.