Reducing Racial Bias: Age & Stage Can Focus Efforts and Increase Impact

Racial bias begins forming in childhood, and is shaped by the messages, images, and narratives children absorb from the world around them. In their 2016 article, “Reducing racial bias possible in older children,” the University of British Columbia highlights a study that points to an important and hopeful reality: while implicit racial biases can emerge early in childhood, they are not fixed. 

Instead, the study found that older elementary-aged children who were exposed to positive stories about Black individuals, showed measurable reductions in implicit bias. Therefore, intentional representation and exposure to diverse, historically accurate, and celebratory stories about the Black experience can influence how children perceive others, especially between grades 4 to 6.

This finding reinforces the idea that our environments matter. Children learn through what is normalized in their homes, classrooms, books, and conversations. Schools and homes have a powerful influence: narratives can either reinforce harmful assumptions, or conversely, actively broaden understanding. When adults make the deliberate choice to center diverse perspectives, highlight contributions from historically marginalized communities, celebrate the joy of diverse cultures, and foster curiosity around our differences, we can shape our kids’ cognitive and social development in meaningful ways. 

Of course, this work is valuable at every age. But, the research importantly suggests that upper elementary years may represent a particularly responsive window for this influence, reminding us that our efforts are both timely and impactful.

Ultimately, the message of this research is empowering. Children’s implicit beliefs are shaped by context, and adults play a central role in that context. Through intentional storytelling, representation, and dialogue, at school and at home, we can reduce bias before it solidifies. 

Read the full article here: https://psych.ubc.ca/news/new-ubc-psychology-research-reducing-racial-bias-possible-in-older-children/