The colourism conversation we need to have

Colourism is one of the most painful and least-discussed forms of identity-based bullying. It happens within communities — Black children mocked by other Black children for being ‘too dark’ or ‘too light’. Mixed-heritage children told they’re ‘not really Black’ or ‘not really white’. And because it happens within communities, mainstream anti-bullying services often miss it entirely.

What is colourism?

Colourism is discrimination based on skin shade, usually favouring lighter skin over darker skin. It has deep roots in colonialism, the transatlantic slave trade, and colourist beauty standards promoted by media. It’s not the same as racism — racism is between racial groups, colourism is within them. But they’re connected, and both cause real harm.

How colourism shows up in schools

In UK schools, colourism looks like:

• Darker-skinned children being called names related to their skin shade
• Lighter-skinned children being favoured or told they’re ‘pretty for a Black girl’
• Exclusion from friendship groups based on skin shade
• Microaggressions — being told ‘you’re not like other Black people’ as a compliment
• Internalised colourism — children expressing a preference for lighter skin, influenced by media and community attitudes

Why it’s hard to address

Colourism is hard to address because it often comes from within the child’s own community. A Black child being bullied by other Black children for their skin shade may feel that reporting it is betraying their community. White teachers may not recognise it as bullying because it doesn’t fit the white-on-Black frame they’re used to. And parents may have internalised colourist beliefs themselves, making it hard for them to support their child.

What parents can do

• Name it — help your child understand that colourism exists, it has historical roots, and it’s not their fault
• Surround them with positive representation — books, films, and shows that celebrate the full range of Black beauty, not just lighter shades
• Connect them with community — supplementary schools, cultural associations, and youth groups where they’re part of the majority
• Validate their anger — don’t rush to ‘be the bigger person’. Let them feel it.
• Get professional support — a culturally competent therapist can help your child process identity-based harm

What schools can do

Schools need to recognise colourism as a form of race discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. It’s not ‘just banter’ — it’s harassment based on a protected characteristic. Schools should:

• Record colourism incidents as racist incidents
• Teach about colourism explicitly in PSBE/RSHE
• Train staff to recognise colourism (it often looks different from white-on-Black racism)
• Address colourist attitudes in the school community, including from staff