Increasing Incidences of Racist Bullying

Racism is children is another form of bullyingisolated. Victims often feel embarrassed or
known as racist bullying. This is very common andashamed of what is going on and become
occurs when someone is treated unfairly, pickedwithdrawn by not talking about the situation and
on and harassed by other children because ofavoiding places or activities in the hope that the
their race, colour, traditions or beliefs. Bullying ofbullies will just go away. However, this often is not
this kind may take different forms such asthe solution and victims are left feeling worse.
making racist remarks, threats, not letting theIt is important to remember that you are not
victim join in play or games, hitting, punching andalone and that talking to parents, teachers and
kicking and taking or damaging personal property.friends can help alleviate the burden, as well as
There are many reasons why children becomefinding practical solutions to the problem. Accepting
bullies. Children who grow up within racist familiesthat you are not the cause of the problem helps
often adopt these attitudes and behavioursto relieve some of the worry and most
because they have seen it done to others andimportantly reporting these incidents may enable
may think that this is acceptable. It is also possibleadults to put a stop to this unacceptable
that they themselves have been victims ofbehaviour. Keeping some evidence, such as a
violence at home and therefore pick on childrendiary of events is often helpful when reporting
who appear different to them. Racism is also athese incidents. It is also important for you to
sign of people feeling threatened by anotherkeep safe. For example, try not to go to isolated
person who looks different or is from a differentareas on your own. Most schools run anti-bullying
culture.campaigns and are able to offer information and
Being the victim of racist bullying is verysupport.
distressing and can make you feel sad and