It's not banter case study

The phrase ‘it was just a bit of banter’ has become a troublingly common defence for inappropriate jokes and comments, often relating to protected characteristics including race, gender, disability, and sexual orientation. Many of us have experienced the uncomfortable knot in our stomachs or the urge to shrink away, as such remarks leave us feeling violated and unheard.

This experience is, sadly, all too familiar for students. From the casual jabs in common rooms and on buses to comments made during lessons, inappropriate humour permeates our educational environments. We have heard directly from students about the impact of this, and it's clear that a change is urgently needed.

It’s time to move beyond ‘just a bit of banter’.

The notion of ‘banter’ often masks a more serious issue: the normalisation of disrespect and the dismissal of another person's feelings. True banter is playful and reciprocal, built on mutual respect and understanding. It does not involve our identities, our backgrounds, our immigration status, or who someone loves.

In partnership with Peterborough Citizens (a chapter of Citizens UK), the Inspire Education Group, other schools, and organisations across Peterborough recognised the need for significant change. Education plays a crucial role in driving this change; however, challenging sensitive conversations within the classroom can be difficult. These difficulties can include a lack of staff knowledge and confidence, insufficient resources, or limited access to relevant training.

Recognising these hurdles, we collaborated with educators and organisations across the city to develop a toolkit of resources. This toolkit provides valuable information and support to help navigate important conversations with students. It explores topics like migration, celebrates our diverse community, and delves into issues of privilege and bias. By fostering a deeper understanding of different identities within the classroom and beyond, we aim to create a more inclusive and respectful learning environment.

What can the FE world do?

To tackle this issue effectively, it is essential to bridge the gap between understanding the problem and implementing actionable solutions. Here are some key steps:

• openly discuss the impact of inappropriate humour: encourage open and honest conversations about the harm caused by such remarks, providing a platform where students and staff feel comfortable sharing their experiences

• establish clear boundaries: define what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable humour within the educational setting. Clarity in expectations helps create a more respectful culture

• provide training and support: equip educators and students with tools and resources to recognise and address inappropriate behaviour. Workshops and professional development sessions can enhance confidence in handling these situations

• foster a culture of respect: create an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and safe. Inclusive practices and celebrations of diversity can strengthen this culture

• ensure robust reporting and disciplinary procedures: students and staff should have clear avenues to report comments and behaviours, with accurate accounts being logged as incidents relating to protected characteristics. Behaviour policies must explicitly state that ‘banter’ is not an excuse and outline specific actions relevant to incidents related to the protected characteristics

By challenging the notion of ‘just banter’ and actively working to create a more respectful and inclusive environment, we can ensure that all students feel safe, valued, and empowered to learn

Download the toolkit here: https://www.ieg.ac.uk/its-not-banter-toolkit