Huge rise in race hate crime towards kids in West Yorkshire
The number of children being targeted is at a 3 year high nationally
The number of West Yorkshire kids being targeted in race hate crimes has shot up by more than 70 percent in just three years.
423 race offences against Children were recorded across our county in the last year as incidents reach a three year high nationally.
The figures also show children younger that 1 were among the victims.
Children reported abuse such as bullying, name calling and being told to "go back to their own country", some also admitted to feeling ashamed and trying to change their appearance using make-up.
Childline runs sessions to support victims of racial and faith based bullying. The charity has held over 2,500 sessions since 2015.
Atiyah Wazir is a childline counsellor, she said:
"No young person should have to deal with racual abuse. When a young person contacts me as a counsellor, it's just as heartbreaking every single time a child tells you they look".
It's not just Yorkshire that has seen an increase in these type of offences, the figures also showed that the equivalent to 29 children each day experience a racial hate offence.
Head of Childline, John Cameron said:
"Childhood bullying of this nature can cause long term emotional harm to children and can create further devisions in our society. If we see a child bullying another child because of their race we need to tackle it head on, by explaining how hurtful it is."
Childline is encouraging any children or young people experiencing any abuse to contact their safe and anonymous helpline.