Racist violence, harassment and abuse are closely related to, and sometimes difficult to distinguish from, bullying. Racist bullying in schools can range from ill-considered remarks, which are not intended to be hurtful, to deliberate physical attacks causing serious injury.

Racist bullying can be identified by the motivation of the bully, the language used, and/or by the fact that victims are singled out because of the colour of their skin, the way they talk, their ethnic grouping or by their religious or cultural practices.

Is Racist Bullying a Problem in Schools?

Racist bullying in schools can be a problem in two ways:

  1. Children who experience it have their education disrupted. They may be unable to concentrate on lessons because of feelings of fear or anger. Their self-confidence may be damaged and, as a result, they may never fulfil their potential.
  2. Schools that ignore it, or deny its existence, give the wrong message to young people. The success of our multi-cultural society depends upon the children of today growing up to be be adults who are prepared to speak out against racism.

Monitoring and Recording

Although schools are no longer required to report racist incidents to their Local Authority, it is recommended that they keep their own records and are familiar with their local hate incident reporting systems. If your child has been the victim of racist or religious bullying or if you become aware of such bullying, report it!

Hate Incidents

A hate incident is any incident where you or someone else has been targeted because they or you are seen as being different. Anyone can be a victim of hate because of prejudice against their age, disability, gender identity, race, religion/belief or sexual orientation.

  • If you attend school in Doncaster, incidents may be reported to your CYPO (Children and Young People's Police Officer) or speak to your designated safeguarding lead in school
  • If in immediate danger telephone 999 otherwise use 101

Resources - Racist Bullying

Language Support Team (previously known as Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service) can be contacted for any support for young people or Doncaster schools.

Last updated: 04 March 2021 17:15:48

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