Religious intolerance
Find information and resources about reporting bullying or intolerance on the basis of religious belief or spirituality.
Our commitment
The department recognises, values and respects the cultural, linguistic, religious and spiritual diversity of students, their families and the school community. We are committed to the elimination of all forms of discrimination in NSW public schools.
How students can report religious bullying and intolerance
Religious bullying or intolerance is when someone is mean, unfair or treats others differently because of their religion, faith, belief, or spirituality.
Students experiencing religious bullying or intolerance should speak to a trusted adult who can support them. This can be a teacher, school staff member, parent or carer.
Speak to a teacher or school staff member
Students who experience or witness religious bullying or intolerance should report it to their school. Students can make a report to any teacher or member of school staff. You can also call or email your school via the contact details on your school website to make a report.
Sometimes religious bullying and intolerance has a racial element. Reports of racism can also be made to any member of staff or to the Anti-Racism Contact Officer at your school. For more information, see the reports of racism.
Access student mental health support
Experiencing or witnessing religious intolerance can have an impact on students. Information and services for students are available on the student mental health page and student wellbeing services page.
How parents, carers and community members can report religious bullying and intolerance
Parents, carers and community members can make a report of religious bullying and intolerance on behalf of a student with their consent, or if they have experienced or witnessed religious bullying and intolerance themselves.
Anti-bullying information for parents and carers is available at anti-bullying resources webpages. To learn more about bullying generally, visit the student anti-bullying pages.
Contact the school
Reports should be raised with the school where the religious bullying or intolerance occurred. You can call or email the school via the contact details on the school website.
If you need an interpreter to help you to contact the school, please ring the telephone interpreting service on 131 450 and ask for an interpreter in your language. Tell the operator the school’s number and the operator will ring and get an interpreter on the line to help you with your conversation. You will not be charged for interpreting services.
Access parent and carer mental health support
Support for parents and carers can be found on the on the parent and carer mental health and wellbeing page and what support is available to parents and carers page.
Further steps
Students, their families, carers and community members should raise concerns about religious bullying or intolerance with their school first. You may want to contact the department after you have been in touch with your school, including if you believe the concern is systemic, and for further support.
You can access the Religious Intolerance Helpline by calling 1300 679 332 and letting the operator know you are calling about religious bullying or intolerance. They will redirect your call to the helpline, which can:
- provide information about related policies and procedures
- impartially progress report resolution
- recommend appropriate support services
- refer reports to relevant areas
- assist those managing reports with advice, guidance, and learning resources.
To make a complaint
You can make a complaint by following the steps at the translated quick reference guide for making a complaint. A complaint does not have a review or resolution process. It is a pathway for students, parents, and carers to express their feedback or dissatisfaction. Learn more about complaints on the translated support persons and advocates page.