Redheads more likely to be bullied, research shows

Redheads are more likely to be bullied because of their hair colour with so-called gingerism still considered the last, socially accepted form of prejudice, new Irish research has found.

More than 90% of men with red hair have been bullied simply because of their hair colour, foxy British men fared worst with higher levels of anxiety and depression, and 87% of flamed-haired females have experienced ‘gingerism,’ the study of redheads around the world shows.

UCC psychology student Kevin O’Regan, who conducted the research, found that this bullying, combined with the often negative portrayal of redheads in movies and cartoons, may contribute to anxiety disorders and depression.

He warned that the long-term negative effects on redheads’ health may be too significant for the problem of gingerism to be ignored.

Kevin, 26, who is originally from Goleen in West Cork, undertook the research as part of his undergraduate thesis for a BA in Applied Psychology at UCC.

He surveyed 1,742 people — 65% of whom had red hair — with almost half of all the participants from the US, and 15% from the UK.

While between five and 10% of the non-redheads said they had been bullied because of their hair, an incredible 60% of redheads said they had been mocked or bullied because of it.

But Mr O’Regan, who himself proudly sports ginger hair, said events like the Irish Redhead Convention, which takes place in Crosshaven, Co Cork, this weekend, are helping to portray hugely positive images of redheads, and empower ginger kids.

As well as competing for the king of the red heads title, he will present his research findings during a talk at Crosshaven House at 12.30pm on Sunday.