CARG addresses the increase in racism and intolerance against people of Chinese appearance, targeting them as being the cause of the pandemic. Complementary to that is the rise in expressions of abuse towards children of those families.

There is relatively little research on the impact of racism on children, and whether it can be compounded by existing mental vulnerabilities such as the current prolonged conditions of enforced lockdown.

Children are born innocent and can regard each other with curiosity, but not fear or hate. But what if adult role models sow seeds of intolerance against anyone perceived to be different from themselves? Does this lead to a cycle of bullying and violence; how can it be broken, and what becomes of a child who is a victim? Can trauma be repaired?

CARG brings together two powerful speakers to focus on these issues, with opportunity to raise questions at the end. It will be of interest to everyone who is involved in health and protection of a safe and stable society.

• Kam Bhui CBE FRCPsych is an eminent Professor of Psychiatry and Hon Consult-ant Psychiatrist with a special interest in ethnic inequalities, including the role of society, institutional and interpersonal discrimination and racism as drivers of poor health.
• Beki Martin is Executive Director of Facing History and Ourselves; its teaching strategies have proven to significantly increase engagement, empathy, tolerance, and critical thinking skills in children, leading to civic responsibility.

Your voice is invited.

Joining instructions will be included in reminder emails before 17th March.

Photo by Mutzii on Unsplash