Level 2 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Unit 204 2.1 2.2
Describe ways in which children and young people can experience prejudice and discrimination
Describe the impact of prejudice and discrimination on children and young people
Prejudice and discrimination are linked, however they are different terms, prejudice comprises of preconceived negative thoughts or beliefs about individuals who belong to a particular group, whereas discrimination is bigoted behaviour or action that is motivated by unfair beliefs.
Both discrimination and prejudice can take a range of forms and can take place for a multitude of reasons and usually occurs through lack of knowledge and understanding of diversity. Every childcare professional must be aware of the fact that a child or young person will encounter some form of prejudice or discrimination against them throughout their time in school. A child may be discriminated against for a number of reasons; because of their size, the fact that they wear glasses, the colour of their skin or hair, religious beliefs, cultural or ethnic traditions.
Children and young people are most likely to discriminate against other children because of the prejudice approach they may hold, these may include not playing or associating with traveller children because it is believed they are dirty or smelly, a child with a disability may be assumed to have learning difficulties.
All children and young people have the right to be treated equally irrespective of their race, colour of their skin, religious beliefs or their ability. Children have the right to develop and grow into mature young adults without being exposed to bigotry and discrimination. By allowing children to discover and explore other cultures, beliefs and the different things around them will help them understand and respect other people’s differences and the diversity of the nation.
Prejudice and discrimination can generate social and emotional tension amongst children and...