Hate Crime – What You Need to Know
Hate crime is when someone hurts, scares, or targets a person because of who they are.
This is never okay.
A hate crime can happen because of things like:
- Your race or where your family is from
- Your religion or beliefs
- Your disability
- Your sexuality (for example, being gay, bi or straight)
- Your gender identity (for example, being trans or non‑binary)
It can happen to anyone, and it can happen anywhere (school, online, on the street, in shops, or on the bus).
What does hate crime look like?
Hate crime can be:
- Mean comments or slurs
- Threats or bullying
- Messages online
- Spreading rumours
- Damaging your stuff
- Hurting someone physically
Even if no one gets hurt, it is still not okay.
If it makes you feel scared, upset, unsafe, or targeted, please tell someone.
How to Protect Yourself and Others
You are not expected to deal with this alone.
Here are some things you can do:
- Stay safe
- Walk away from danger
- Stay near people you trust
- If you feel unsafe, call 999
- Do not fight back
It can make things worse and put you at risk.
Getting help is stronger than trying to deal with it alone.
- Save evidence
If it is online or on your phone, keep screenshots or messages.
If it happened in person, try to remember what was said and who was there.
- Look out for your mates
If you see hate crime happening to someone else:
- Don’t join in
- Get help from an adult
- Check the person is okay
Being kind and speaking up can make a big difference.
Who Can Help in South Tyneside?
There are people and services here to support you:
- School staff – a teacher, head of year, mentor or safeguarding lead
- Youth Workers – at youth centres or community groups
- Police – they take hate crime seriously
- South Tyneside Council – support for young people and families
- Family Hubs – places where you can get advice or talk to someone
- Trusted adults – like parents, carers, or relatives
You will be taken seriously. You won’t be blamed.
How to Report Hate Crime
You can report hate crime in a few different ways:
- Tell the Police
- 999 if anyone is in danger
- 101 for anything else
- Or report online through Northumbria Police’s website
- Tell an Adult You Trust
They can help you report it if you don’t feel ready to do it yourself.
- Report Online
If it happens on apps or social media, use the report button to tell the platform.
- Schools and Youth Centres
Most schools and youth groups have ways to report bullying or hate incidents.
You can tell a staff member face‑to‑face or ask how to report it safely.
Remember
You are not alone.
Hate crime is wrong, and it is never your fault.
There are people here in South Tyneside who want to help keep you safe.
