Alex's Answer
Why is racism still happening in schools
Your Question
Hello Alex, I want to question you about how to get over a problem that is ubiquitous in the life of many kids but tends to be the Elephant in the room. I am talking about the subtle segregation that happens in our age group as teens. Go to any school and you will find out that there are cliques, and one stands out to me that is about the children of different ethnicities. Why is that there is mental judgement and disgust of us coloured people still exists, and no one cares because it is not the most obvious. I hope one day I can go to school and feel just as important and known as the white girl beside me.  Â
Answer
Hi there,  Â
Thank you so much for sharing your experience of exclusion and racism with us. We are so sorry to hear of this and hope that our answer will assist you in some way. Â
At Childline, we believe that every young person has the right to their identity and not to be segregated against or looked at with any mental judgement or disgust. Every young person has a right to be happy and safe in school (or any place) and to be treated with dignity and respect.  Â
We are wondering if you have ever shared your feelings or thoughts with any adult that you trust? It is important to share thoughts and feelings with someone and not to deal with this by yourself. Have you considered chatting with a teacher in your school or the principal as this might make them realize how important it is to you and others who may be feeling the same way and perhaps make them think of ways to address this. One such way could be to organize programmes that might educate students more around racism, segregation and how hurtful this behaviour might be for those who experience it. Here is an article on the Childline website which you may like to read: https://www.childline.ie/what-is-social-exclusion/ Â
In addition to that, we at Childline have a team that would love to listen to you and we would do so without any judgement and could help explore what options may be available for you. We are here for you 24/7 and you can contact us by phone (1800 66 66 66), and/or though our webchat at www.childline.ie (just click on the orange Live Chat tab). All our services are free and confidential.
We would love to hear from you so please get in touch. Â
AlexÂ