What are children and young people’s views about and experiences of racism in the ACT? The ACT Children and Young People Commissioner (CYPC), Jodie Griffiths-Cook, has launched a survey to find out.

“There is a dangerous silence about racism in our community, especially when it comes to speaking with children and young people,” Ms Griffiths-Cook said. “This means many forms of it go unchallenged, and our children and young people are being left to deal with it by themselves.”

The survey is part of a broader consultation through which ACT children and young people can provide their thoughts and ideas on racism and what to do about it.

The Commissioner has partnered with Curijo and the Multicultural Hub. They started talking to children and young people in March, and have hosted several in-person group sessions with more than 40 children.

“Already, we have heard that young Canberrans are impacted by racism in all aspects of their daily lives,” Ms Griffiths-Cook said. “They witness it, or are the victims of it, across any and all environments they engage with.

“Yet, during the sessions, we’ve also heard that adults often don’t speak to children and young people about racism, despite research showing that even pre-schoolers recognise racial differences and begin to enact prejudice. When this is not addressed in age-appropriate ways, this prejudice is reinforced.”

Children and young people contributed to the survey design through the sessions. Ms Griffiths-Cook hoped this will encourage other children and young people to get involved.

“Children and young people are adept at finding solutions to society’s issues, so we will all be enriched by learning from them when it comes to addressing racism in the ACT.

“There is no place for racism in our community, but there must be a place for children and young people to contribute to our efforts to address it,” Ms Griffiths-Cook said.

•           The survey is available at actkids.act.gov.au (scan the QR code), and is open until 31 August.

•           If you want to make a complaint about racism or racial vilification, or are a child or young person who wants to talk to someone about racism, you can also call the Commission on 6205 2222, or contact the Children and Young People Commissioner at [email protected].