We have worked with organisations across the anti-racism, safeguarding, education and anti-bullying sectors, to produce guidance on preventing and responding to racist bullying.
Principles that should guide every conversation about racist bullying:
These apply whether you are talking to the pupil targeted, the pupil who has bullied, a bystander or a parent.
Acknowledge and validate
- Do not minimise or brush things aside.
- “Thank you for telling me. I understand this must have hurt you. What you experienced or heard is not acceptable.”
Use clear, explicit language
- Call the behaviour what it is.
- Do not label young people as ‘racists’
- Rather than “unkind behaviour”, use “racist language”.
- Be clear when language is racist in nature.
- Context can help us understand what happened, but it must never be used to excuse or downplay racist behaviour or the impact of racist bullying. Racism should always be named and addressed on its own terms.
Be calm, curious and firm
- Ask open questions, avoid accusations, and show you want to understand what happened.
Separate the behaviour from the child
- This helps conversations stay productive.
- “You are not a bad person. The language you used is racist, and we need to deal with that.”
Be restorative as well as corrective
- Sanctions may be necessary, but the long-term goal is understanding, attitude change and preventing repetition.
When you witness or hear an incident:
All staff have a responsibility to respond promptly and consistently when they witness or are informed about racist bullying. How adults respond in the moment sends a powerful message to pupils about what is acceptable and whose safety matters.
Schools have the powers to intervene in bullying that takes place off school premises e.g. on the way to and from school or online.
Respond immediately and name the behaviour
If it is safe to do so, intervene straight away. Calmly stop the behaviour and clearly name it as racist bullying. Avoid minimising language or reframing the incident as banter or a misunderstanding.
Make it clear that the behaviour is not acceptable and goes against the school’s values, behaviour policy and legal duties under the Equality Act 2010.
Prioritise safety and support
Check that the pupils involved are safe and supported. Where appropriate, separate pupils to prevent further harm and ensure the targeted pupil has access to a trusted adult.
Do not ask the targeted pupil to explain or justify what has happened in front of others. Any detailed conversations should take place privately.
Record and report
Record the incident as soon as possible, using the school’s agreed systems. Records should clearly identify the incident as racist bullying and include what happened, who was involved, and what immediate actions were taken.
Report the incident in line with school procedures, including to senior leaders or safeguarding leads where required. Racist bullying should never be dealt with informally or in isolation. See the definitions section about what constitutes a racist incident/racist bullying.
Follow up appropriately
Ensure that the incident is followed up with:
- Support and check ins for the pupil who has been targeted
- Clear consequences and educational responses for the pupil who has bullied
- Communication with parents or carers in line with school policy
Staff should not assume that one response is sufficient. Ongoing monitoring and follow up are essential to prevent repeat harm.
