NSPCC urges positive conversations during Black History Month

THE first ever UK Black History Month began in 1987, and for the last 37 years during the month of October it has provided a time for everyone to discuss black heritage, culture and diversity. 
It also gives us an opportunity to reflect and help young people understand what racism is and what they can do if they experience it, or if they see it happening. 
In 2023/24, Childline delivered 363 counselling sessions about bullying for ethnical, cultural or religious reasons, and a further 81 counselling sessions about discrimination or prejudice based on ethnicity, culture or religion.
One 15-year-old girl told counsellors: “I’m a black girl in a mainly white populated school, and everyday I’m met with people making nasty comments about me and my race. 
“It makes me feel so alone and it ruins my confidence, my mental wellbeing and much more. Sometimes I regret being born. I’m so lost right now and I really don’t know what to do.”
This is why open conversations around racism and racial bullying are so important, as it encourages children and young people to recognise the importance of diversity and understand why any form of racism is wrong. 
Sometimes starting these conversations can be tricky, especially if we’re talking about things we may know little about or have experiences of, but you could start with positive stories you learn about together. 
The theme for 2024’s Black History Month focuses on ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, which encourages us to honour and recognise the achievements and contributions of Black individuals across the world. This is a perfect time to learn more about stories of Black people that may previously have been ignored, overlooked or misrepresented in the past. 
There are lots of ways to take part this month and in the future, perhaps start by looking at what local schools and libraries are doing to celebrate and read about how Black people we admire have helped to shape the UK, the world and ourselves. 
Learning about race and racism can encourage us to make better decisions about how we can push back against discrimination and hopefully inspire others to do the same. 
On the NSPCC’s online shop, we have a range of books you can read with or recommend to your child. These books cover key moments in history and keep those positive conversations going. These books can help diversify what a child reads, whilst helping them recognise different cultures, and inspiring them. 
Children and young people can internalise racial bias, which can make it seem normal to them. That’s why all conversations of this nature must always be positive and have examples of fairness, how to be kind and accepting others for who they are. 
Sadly, many children still experience racial discrimination today, and if a child discloses that they’ve experienced racism, it may stir up feelings of anger. It’s important to try and remain calm, their safety is the most important thing, so please encourage them to not retaliate, just walk away if they can and find help from a safe trusted adult. 
It’s important that they feel they can speak out about any difficulties they’re experiencing and that they know that this isn’t their fault. 
If they’re experiencing racism and discrimination at school, teachers and safeguarding leads should be informed immediately so the child has further support. Children and young people can also speak to our counsellors at Childline too either via phone or online via our one-to-one chat service. 
Remember being bullied or treated differently because of race is a hate crime and against the law and it’s important that it’s reported, especially if a child’s safety is at risk. 
This type of abuse can often take place online too. But if privacy settings are adjusted, comments and messages are reported, and any perpetrators are blocked this can help. Keep a record of any messages and videos too. 
Bullying of any kind can take a negative toll on a child’s mental wellbeing too. Our Childline counsellors are always here to help and support children if they need us.