Children’s charities have said it is “vital” that schools explain the facts surrounding the outbreak of coronavirus, known as Covid-19, to pupils and make it clear that the outbreak “does not justify racial discrimination".
Lauren Seager-Smith, chief executive of Kidscape, said: “Many children will be aware of reports of coronavirus and will be frightened about what it means and whether they and the people they love are in danger.
“For some children - particularly younger children, this fear may manifest in ignorant and unkind comments to other children. There may also be children and adults who use it as an excuse to bully others and make racist remarks. It's vital therefore that schools are proactive in explaining the facts as we know them to children and young people and that they make it clear that unkind comments and racist behaviour will not be tolerated.”
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