A new study reveals alarming connections between experiences of racism in schools and various health issues among high school students across the United States. The research, based on the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, found that approximately one in three high school students reported experiencing racism in school settings.
The study highlights significant disparities among racial and ethnic groups. Students from American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black, Hispanic, multiracial, and Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander backgrounds were two to three times more likely to experience racism in school compared to their White peers.
These experiences of racism were not without consequences. The study found strong associations between racist encounters and poor mental health outcomes, increased suicide risk, and higher rates of substance use across all racial and ethnic groups.
Dr. Izraelle I. McKinnon, lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of addressing these issues: “By working to prevent racism in school, schools can serve as a safe and supportive place for all students.”
The findings underscore the urgent need for school-based policies and practices that address negative experiences based on race and ethnicity. Experts suggest that promoting connections and fostering positive experiences for all students could help mitigate the harmful effects of racism in educational settings.
As schools play a crucial role in adolescents’ lives, with students spending up to 6 hours per day and 180 days per year in these environments, addressing racism becomes paramount in ensuring the health and well-being of all students.
