Children as young as four are being sent home from school for racist behaviour, a statistic that should alarm us all.
Recent Department for Education figures show suspensions for racist behaviour have more than doubled since 2021, with incidents rising from 7,403 to over 15,000 last year. Disturbingly, some of these involve Reception-aged pupils who are just four years old.
While young children may not fully understand the words they repeat, their peers who experience racist slurs or actions feel the hurt deeply. Racism is not simply “bad behaviour,” it undermines a child’s emotional safety, their confidence, and their sense of belonging. The scars can last a lifetime if ignored.
Why is this happening?
Experts point to several factors:
- Post-Covid social disruption – Many children missed out on key years of socialisation, learning how to communicate respectfully.
- Online influence – Racist language and stereotypes are being copied from TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms.
- Lack of understanding – Reception-age children may not grasp that words can be harmful, but that does not lessen their impact.
What can schools and families do?
- Zero tolerance: Schools must have clear policies and act swiftly when racism occurs.
- Staff training: Teachers should be supported to confidently challenge racist behaviour and explain why it is wrong.
- Parental guidance: Families need resources to help them talk openly with children about race and respect.
- Early conversations: Avoiding the subject doesn’t protect children. Naming racism and explaining fairness in age-appropriate ways helps them grow up kind and inclusive.
Why it matters
Every child deserves to feel safe, valued and included at school. Racism is not just a disciplinary issue; it is a safeguarding concern. Children must learn from the earliest age that differences are something to celebrate, not mock.
As a society, we cannot accept 15,000 exclusions for racism as “normal.” The rise is unacceptable, but it is also a call to action. Parents, teachers, and communities must work together to build a generation that chooses kindness over cruelty, and respect over prejudice.
Poem for Children: Different but the Same
We all have faces, smiles, and names,
We like to run and play our games.
Some skin is lighter, some skin is brown,
Some wear a turban, scarf, or crown.
But listen close, here’s what is true,
Our hearts all beat the same way too.
The words we use can heal or harm,
So let’s choose kindness, that’s our charm.
If someone’s different, that’s okay,
It makes the world bright every day.
So hand in hand, let’s make it clear:
Respect and love belong right here.
Poem for Parents: It Starts at Home
The words we say, the tales we share,
Teach our children what is fair.
A gentle word, a caring view,
Shows them kindness starts with you.
When questions come, don’t turn away,
Guide their hearts in what to say.
Name the wrongs, explain what’s right,
Shine the truth with steady light.
For little ears absorb it all,
The love we give, the names we call.
So plant respect, let empathy grow,
And watch your children learn and show.
Poem for Teachers: In Every Classroom Seat
In every seat, a child will bring,
Their hopes, their dreams, their everything.
Some come with joy, some come with fear,
All need to know they’re welcome here.
The words we challenge, the rules we set,
Tell children what respect should get.
A story read, a lesson planned,
Can shape tomorrow’s heart and hand.
Though teaching facts is what we do,
We teach compassion, justice too.
For every child deserves the chance,
To grow in kindness, hope, advance.
Poem for Head Teachers & Leaders: The Standard You Set
The standard you set will guide the way,
In every word, in what you say.
A school’s true heart, its core belief,
Is shaped by leaders’ firm relief.
When racism knocks, you must stand tall,
With policies clear, a pledge for all.
Not “just bad behaviour,” brushed aside,
But harm addressed with courage, pride.
Your vision builds the paths we tread,
A safe, fair place where all are led.
With staff empowered, children strong,
You show them hate won’t last for long.
So, lead with courage, calm and grace,
And make your school a kinder place.
For when inclusion lights the flame,
The world beyond won’t be the same.
Alyson Malach
Equality and diversity UK Ltd