Bullying and Racism

Children and young people who experience bullying or racism may feel sad, angry, anxious or isolated. They may avoid school or lose confidence. Some may show physical signs of stress, such as headaches or trouble sleeping.

As a carer, your calm support and advocacy can make a real difference.

What is bullying?

Bullying is repeated behaviour intended to hurt, intimidate or exclude someone. It can happen in person or online.

Bullying may include:

• name-calling, teasing or insults
• threats, humiliation or intimidation
• pushing, hitting or damaging belongings
• spreading rumours or gossip
• excluding someone from groups
• harmful messages or posts on social media

If a child in your care is involved in bullying — either experiencing it or displaying it — it needs to be taken seriously.

For practical strategies, visit Bullying. No Way!, a national resource developed by education authorities.

Signs a child may be being bullied

Children are often afraid to talk about bullying and may worry it will make things worse. Signs can include:

• not wanting to go to school or saying they feel sick
• sudden fearfulness, anxiety, or tearfulness
• missing or damaged belongings
• unexplained injuries
• trouble sleeping
• withdrawing socially or having fewer friends
• declining school performance

If you are concerned, approach the conversation gently. Avoid “why” questions. Ask what has been happening and how they are feeling.

Listen calmly. Take their experience seriously.

Let them know:

• telling you was the right thing to do
• being bullied is not their fault

Keep a written record of incidents, including dates, locations and who was involved. This can help if you need to raise the issue with the school.

If bullying continues

If the behaviour does not stop:

• speak with the child’s teacher and school counsellor
• ask about the school’s anti-bullying policy
• request clear steps the school will take
• stay in contact until the issue is resolved
• speak with your caseworker if you need additional support

If a child is ever physically assaulted or threatened, contact police and inform your caseworker immediately.

When a child in your care is bullying others

Children may bully for many reasons. They may be coping with trauma, seeking attention, feeling powerless or trying to fit in.

Respond calmly and clearly.

You can:

• explain that bullying is not acceptable
• listen to their perspective
• discuss the impact of their behaviour on others
• set clear consequences for their actions
• limit exposure to influences that model aggressive behaviour
• work with the school and your caseworker to address the behaviour and prevent further incidents
• continue to show warmth, reassurance, and praise positive behaviour.

Children who have experienced violence or neglect may need extra reassurance and structure. Continue to show warmth and praise positive behaviour. Positive attention reduces the likelihood of bullying.

The impact of racism

Experiencing racism can make children feel sad, angry, anxious, or isolated. They may avoid school or withdraw from social activities. Racism can also affect physical health, causing stress, headaches, or trouble sleeping.

Nobody has the right to treat a child differently because of their race, skin colour, culture, or religion. Adults in their life must ensure racist behaviour is stopped.

What is racism?

• racism is any attitude or behaviour that assumes someone is inferior because of their race, skin colour, or ethnic/religious background
• racial bullying/harassment is verbal, physical, or emotional abuse targeting someone because of their race or cultural background, in person or online
• racial discrimination is treating someone less favourably because of race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, or immigration status
  • direct discrimination happens when someone is treated differently in an obvious way, for example, being refused service
  • indirect discrimination occurs when a rule applies to everyone but unfairly affects certain racial or cultural groups

Racism can also occur at a systemic or institutional level, through policies, rules, or practices that disadvantage certain groups.

Signs a child may be experiencing racism

A child may experience racism if others:

• refuse to sit with or play with them
• mock their accent, name, food, or clothing
• make stereotypical statements
• exclude them from activities
• discourage them from speaking their birth language
• discipline them more harshly than others
• witness racist behaviour and allow it to go unchallenged
• force them to follow activities that conflict with their cultural or religious beliefs
• anglicise their name without permission
• intimidate, threaten, or physically assault them because of their cultural background

Take these signs seriously.

Responding to racism at home

You can:

• encourage pride in the child’s culture and identity
• make it clear racism is unacceptable
• talk openly about racism and its impact
• model respectful language and behaviour
• avoid making promises you cannot guarantee
• show zero tolerance for racist behaviour

Let the child know it is not their fault.

Responding to racism at school

If racism occurs at school:

• encourage the child to report it to a trusted adult
• keep a diary of incidents, dates, locations, and witnesses
• meet with teachers or counsellors to discuss your concerns
• ask what steps the school will take
• escalate to the principal if needed
• involve your caseworker if the issue continues

If the child is threatened or assaulted, report it to police and notify your caseworker immediately.

Responding to racism in the community

If racism occurs outside school:

• calmly name the behaviour and state it is not acceptable
• report incidents on public transport to staff
• avoid escalating or responding aggressively
• consider lodging a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission if needed
• seek advice from community members or cultural leaders
• get support from family and friends
• contact your caseworker for support
• model calm and assertive responses so the child can learn how to respond safely.

Children learn from how you respond. Staying calm, clear and supportive helps them feel safer and more confident.