Racism Definition for Kids & Teaching About Stereotypes

Discussions surrounding systemic racism, stereotypes, and racial discrimination play a significant role when it comes to teaching and guiding young children. Talking about race and racism with family members can be uncomfortable. If you’re unsure where or how to start, we’ve put together a few ways to approach racial injustice topics and the definition of racism for kids.

Keep reading to learn more about racist stereotypes and racial discrimination and how to make a lasting impact when having these conversations with your children.

Definition of Racism and Stereotypes

First, sit down and explain the terms racism and stereotypes when talking to kids about racism. Here’s a simple, clear definition for each that you can use when having this conversation with younger children:

Racism is the harmful belief that one’s race or skin color is better than another’s, and as a result, treating someone poorly based on their race. It includes systemic, structural, and institutional racism and more.
Stereotypes are assumptions about someone’s behavior based on their social group, like race. They’re dangerous as they can lead to prejudice and implicit bias, including racial stereotypes of White, Black, or any other race, gender stereotypes, and/or other stereotypes based on characteristics we can’t control. For example, when children identify certain traits as belonging to boys or girls and make assumptions based on their sex or gender.

Refer to Books and Movies As Examples

Introducing and explaining these terms to children is undeniably important, but there’s only so much explanation that we can do ourselves. However, referring to examples of racism, stereotypes, and racial injustice in our society is a great way to expand their knowledge.

Many kid-friendly books and movies have prominently portrayed racial issues in the United States.

Some media discuss the struggles between black and white people, the Civil Rights Movement, and interactions between citizens and police. Other media explain the effects and history of racism. Some children’s media indirectly promote the themes of inclusiveness through a colorful story.

The following books and movies effectively address racism and discrimination in a way that children can easily understand:

Books

A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
Not My Idea: A Book about Whiteness by Anastasia Higginbotham

Movies

The Color of Friendship (2000)
Zootopia (2016)
Frozen II (2019)
Trolls World Tour (2020)

While there are many books and movies with topics or themes centering around children and racism, these examples are a great starting point for identifying systemic racism and discrimination in a way that introduces conversations surrounding such topics.

Explore Beyond Your Town and Culture

Another way to teach kids about racial justice is to take a day to explore outside their own little bubble. Exploring a new town or city, virtually or in person, whether ten minutes away or a bit further, is a great way to showcase the beautiful diversity this world has to offer, whether it’s the culture of Native Americans, people of color, and other groups.

Each experience, from culturally rich restaurants to strolling or driving through diverse neighborhoods, will expose your children to differences they may only see occasionally. Your child will learn that racial equality is something to understand and celebrate.

Teach Your Child To Be an Ally

When talking to younger kids about racism and racial inequality, teach them to be allies and stand up to racial prejudice. The easiest way to do so is to emphasize the phrase, “If you see something, say something.”

Once your child has a basic understanding of racial inequality and discrimination, they will begin to recognize when racial bias, stereotypes, or injustice occurs. However, “saying something” doesn’t mean it’s their responsibility to confront racist behavior on their own when they see it happening.

Telling an adult, whether a parent or teacher, can bring attention to the situation. Actions like this play a significant role in being mindful of discrimination and stopping it in its tracks. Encourage your child to be an ally.

Be a Role Model

Each step is important, but remember you’re your child’s biggest influence. Be mindful of minor or subconscious ways in which you may be feeding into racial bias daily.

People may not realize how they contribute to systemic racism and racial prejudice through implicit bias or jokes. Your actions and discussions about racism shape your child’s views of the world around them.

So be sure you take the extra steps to combat racism and set the example you want your children to follow.

Continue the Conversation

When talking with your children about racism and prejudice, don’t expect to be able to fully explain these topics in just a few deep, difficult conversations. The conversation surrounding these topics should never come to an end.

Keep these conversations ongoing. Children will have new experiences and questions as they grow older and see the reality of diversity’s existence in day-to-day life. Make sure to introduce diversity activities for kids to help them understand, celebrate, and promote diversity rather than give in to stereotypes.

Beyond the Discussion

These steps ensure you’re correctly educating your children on the importance of understanding racism and stereotypes in society.

The earlier you talk to your children about these topics, the easier it will be for them to understand and recognize these occurrences. If you haven’t started yet, it’s never too late to educate them. What matters is that you start now.

If you feel your child has been a victim of racist bullying or stereotypes, All For Kids is an excellent resource with many counseling and mental health services.

All For Kids offers an abundance of resources and tools to support younger and older children ages 0-21, focusing on vulnerable communities and those who may have experienced such encounters.

Unfortunately, racism and stereotypes exist in society. However, you can begin to hinder their occurrence in the world around us by educating and working against those instances, especially with your children.

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