09 March 2024 , 22:07
661
0
Schools are battling a surge in racism as 50 pupils a day are sent home in disgrace, up 24% in a year.
Experts fear children developed racist views, often fuelled by vile internet content, while isolated at home during the Covid lockdowns – which were not challenged until they returned to school. Teachers mostly deal with racist language but also tackle physical attacks and race-hate vandalism. And kids increasingly make racist social media posts.
Last year, there were 9,452 suspensions for racist behaviour – up from 7,403 the previous 12 months and 4,889 in the last school year before Covid. Dr Shabna Begum, of think-tank the Runnymede Trust, said: “The figures should ring alarm bells. But punishing children through exclusions will not root out the racism that pervades schools. Racism requires whole-school and whole-society responses.”
Secondary pupils were worst for racism last year but 952 suspensions were in primaries – including two in reception, which pupils start aged four. An earlier Freedom of Information survey found staff were often victims of racist language and pupils were caught using the n-word and the p-word.
A YMCA report found 95% of Black youngsters heard or witnessed racist language at school. And a study last year found kids in Wales had hijabs pulled off. The National Association of Head Teachers wants anti-racism training for staff.
Nursery apologises after child with Down's syndrome ‘treated less favourably’
The Department for Education said: “We expect schools to take immediate action against discrimination and are investing £10million in our behaviour hubs programme.”