Beyond Bullying - Racist Bullying

What is Racist Bullying?

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:

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.

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
The Government has made it clear there is a requirement on schools to record and monitor racist incidents. Schools are required to provide an annual report to Governors and Governors, in turn, are required to report annually to the LEA. Separate advice will be issued on how to do this. The LEA has a duty to monitor and review incidents and to support schools where appropriate.

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 live in the County, incidents may be reported to Leicestershire County Council's Hate Monitoring Project by telephone:
Tel: 0116 3058263

If you live within Leicester City: you can receive advice from and report incidents to the Race Equality Centre on: 0116 2999800

Incidents can also be reported on-line:

Other useful contacts:

MRC is an organisation that works with voluntary, community and statutory sector organisations on the topic of race equality, young people and education.

Below is a copy of the report from the racism conference which was held at the Gilbert Murray Conference Centre, University of Leicester on 6th March 2008.

Also, here are two more useful documents to download about racist bullying