Bullying and Racism in a Childcare Setting

Bullying and racism are deeply ingrained in many human societies. Where they once might have been tolerated, even encouraged, these values no longer mesh with the multi-cultural, multi-ethnic society Australia enjoys today.

Unfortunately, bullying and racism prevails in many parts of Australia today. Often it is very subtle and insidious. It should not be tolerated; racist or bullying behaviours should be recognised and dealt with in an appropriate and timely manner. It is possible for staff working in a childcare centre, or the children they are caring for, to bully or discriminate based on race.

Possible Indications of racism or bullying

• • Discriminatory policies and procedures
• • Racist comments, ridicule or abuse (verbal or written)
• • Racist propaganda
• • Refusal to co-operate with people from different groups
• • Judgements based on stereotypes
• • Non-inclusive curriculum or teaching practices
• • Physical assault and harassment

Short terms effects of bullying and racism on children

• • Feeling anxious and depressed
• • Withdrawing from others, fear of school / childcare
• • Tension in learning and playing environments
• • Silent, withdrawn, not engaging in learning / playing activities
• • Unable to concentrate
• • Unable to take risks with learning / playing activities
• • Poor school / centre attendance
• • Aggressive or violent reactions
• • Disruptive behavior
• • Have trouble making friends
• • Not speak their first language for fear of being picked on.
• • Get lower school results
• • Reject their own culture and parental values
• • Be confused about their own identity

Long term effects of bullying and racism have on children

• • Lower school participation rates for students from some cultural and linguistic groups
• • Lower literacy and numeracy outcomes for students from some cultural and linguistic groups
• • Lower rates of attendance, participation and retention in education for students from some cultural and linguistic groups
• • Barriers to employment and further education pathways
• • Gifts and talents of students from some cultural and linguistic groups are not recognized and or developed.

Tips for dealing with bullies

• • Talk about it – Talking about it can be a good way of letting out your frustrations that can be built up when being bullied
• • Don’t get physical – Not only will you be showing the bully your anger, but you do not know what the bully will do in return.
• • Hold the anger – the bully will want to see your anger or hurt – don’t give them the satisfaction! Think of ways you can use your anger differently – such as: writing about it; drawing or talking to someone.
• • Practice Confidence – practice feeling good about yourself, and what your reaction to the bully will be. You could possibly even make a joke of what the bully is saying about you – that will catch them off guard.
• • Take charge of your life – you cannot control other’s actions, but you can control yours. Think about ways to feel your best.

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