Standing Up To Racism
No child or grown up should have to deal with being treated unfairly.
Many of you will have been following the news closely and reading information about the ‘Black Lives Matter’ protests happening all around the world.
Click here for videos where professionals answer some of the questions below in a child-friendly manner.
Please note that though these videos are aimed at children in the US, the information provided can be applied in a UK context as well.
1: How to explain racism to kids
- What is protesting and why do people do it?
- Why do people have to protest again?
- How can I stop racism?
- Why do people have different skin colours?
2: Abby Cadabby shares a personal story
- How can parents educate children without making them more anxious?
- What is white privilege?
- What is the difference between seeing everyone as the same and anti-racism?
- What do I do if someone is racist towards me?
- Should I talk to my black and brown friends about racism or do I wait for them to bring it up?
3: Viral video child stars reunite
- Do all police treat people of colour differently?
- Will these protests really change the world?
- I know that I can do more, but how can I do more when it’s not on tv?
How you can help while staying safe inside
- Learn from child-friendly news, videos and books about the history of racism and key people in history.
- Ask respectful questions to your friends and family and listen carefully to their responses.
- Stand up and make your voice heard. If you hear or see someone being racist, tell them “no” or “that’s not right”
- Don’t treat people how they treat you, treat others how you want to be treated.
- Express your emotions to someone you can trust. It’s ok to feel sad, cross, confused or worried right now.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Asking questions will help us to provide tailored to support to you, your children and our school community surrounding this issue.
Please email any questions you have to school@blaiseprimaryandnursery.co.uk and we will do our best to answer them. We have answered a few questions below already.
Answers to your questions
How can I help my child build their empathy skills?
The Empathy Lab have produced a wonderful resource pack for families: https://www.empathylab.uk/family-activities-pack
Why are we talking about this in the UK when it started in America?
Unfortunately, racism continues to be a problem across the world, including in the UK. It is everyone’s responsibility to stand against it to help the world become a fair place.
Why are people saying ‘black lives matter’ when we want everyone to be equal. Shouldn’t it be ‘all lives matter’?
You are completely right: all lives do matter. Right now, black people are being treated unfairly. By saying ‘black lives matter’, people are not saying they matter more, just that right now we need to focus on them.
Imagine it like this: If someone’s house was on fire, the fire engines would need to focus all their attention on that house. We don’t want any of the houses to be on fire, but that one needs help right now, so that is where we focus our energy.
Is this a conversation for black people only?
This is not just a conversation about black people. All people can experience racism or bullying for the way they look. All of the actions and education is for everyone to take part in.
How can I support my child in learning more about racism?
Demonstrate by your actions as well as your words. Educate yourself as well as your child. Have honest, simple and realistic conversations. Model for your children and with them about anti-racism and racial justice.
What resources can I use to educate myself or my child?
There are many resources online for adults. For children, it may be preferable to share books with them in which characters have diversity of skin colour, eye shape, hair texture, etc. and surround your conversations around those. Here is a good place to start: https://www.embracerace.org/resources/where-to-find-diverse-childrens-books