Benchmarking study reveals benefits of cultural diversity programs

A benchmarking University of Melbourne survey funded by VicHealth as part of a trial community intervention has found that one in five primary and high school students said they were targets of racism at school on a daily basis.

Yet the prevalence of racism may be much higher, with far more school students reporting witnessing racism directed at someone else every day. And more than two-thirds of students said they saw another student being teased because of their cultural background at least once a month.

Findings from the benchmarking survey of 264 young people aged eight to 17-years-old will be presented by lead researcher and child racism expert Dr Naomi Priest from The University of Melbourne and Deakin University at the Lowitja Institute racism and child health symposium in Melbourne today.

To view the study and media release click here