How to Deal With Racist Children

Encourage children to feel comfortable with racial differences.

Dealing with racism in children is a sensitive issue, but the problem will only get worse if you ignore it. Teachers and youth group leaders often have to face the fact that some of the children in their care come from backgrounds where racist views are actively or subconsciously transmitted by parents. According to Adoption.com, studies have repeatedly found that even young children are aware of racial differences, and the best way to ensure these differences are seen in a positive light is to discuss them openly.

Instructions

1. Read children a story which deals with the theme of racism or racial differences. There are many children's books which tackle this particular problem and approaching the issue through fiction is a good way to introduce the subject to children in a non confrontational way.

2. Discuss with the children the issues raised in the book. Ask them to consider how the characters felt when they were the victim of racism. Encouraging children to emote with others in this way helps them understand the negative impact racist views has on others.

3. Ask children to discuss racial and cultural differences regarding themselves and their friends and others in the class. Encourage them to do this in positive way. Studies repeatedly find that open and frank discussions about racial differences help children understand that these differences are natural and not something to feel ashamed or superior about. Encourage children to share examples of their different cultural traditions in a positive and inclusive way, such as sharing foods or making greetings cards to celebrate specific events connected with different ethnic backgrounds.

4. Take positive action against racism with the group of children. Encouraging children to actively tackle the issue in this way helps them become part of the solution rather than the problem. Have them make posters with slogans against racism or get them to make up a pop song or short play with anti-racism messages they can perform for other children.

References

• Adoption: Young Children And Racism
• Teaching For Change: Children Race and Racism, How Race Awareness Develops