Children as young as nine branded as terrorists in wake of attacks

Wednesday, 28 June 2017 16:00

Childline is holding hundreds of counselling sessions about racial or faith based bullying with children as young as nine.

There have been more than 2,500 counselling sessions in the last three years about racial and faith-based bullying. Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Black, and Sikh children were among those who contacted Childline about the issue.

Counsellors heard from young people who said the constant abuse and negative stereotyping was so cruel they had self-harmed, and many said they wished they could change who they are.

Childline said Muslim children have endured constant name-calling, accused of being associated with so-called Islamic State, and threatened with violence. Young girls were frequently victimised when they wore a hijab or headscarf.

NSPCC CEO Peter Wanless said: “No child should be targeted because of their race or faith and we cannot allow prejudice to make children feel ashamed of who they are. Instead, we should celebrate diversity and stand together. It takes huge courage for a child to speak up about this issue and they must be encouraged to speak up if they are being targeted.”

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