Young African students are using TikTok to challenge racial stereotypes in Australian schools, shedding light on the discrimination they face on a daily basis.

Developed in collaboration with the University of South Australia, these TikTok videos expose instances of racial prejudice and misconceptions encountered by Black African youth in educational settings.

As the world observes the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, now rebadged as Harmony Day in Australia, the focus shifts to addressing racial prejudices.

The theme, ‘A Decade of Recognition, Justice, and Development: Implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent’, underscores the urgency of combating racial discrimination in all its forms.

Dr. Melanie Baak, the lead researcher at UniSA, said the importance of fostering a sense of belonging in schools to combat racial discrimination.

She highlights the challenges faced by Black African students in integrating into predominantly white Australian schools, where stereotypes and misconceptions often hinder their sense of belonging and inclusion.

Racism remains a significant issue in Australia, with surveys revealing alarming levels of anti-African sentiment.

Broader attitudes

The 2023 Scanlon Mapping Social Cohesion report found that only 51% of Australians harbor positive feelings towards immigrants from Sudan, reflecting broader attitudes towards African diaspora communities.

Political and media discourses further exacerbate these prejudices, perpetuating negative stereotypes and marginalising African diaspora youth.

The TikTok videos are part of a broader research project funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) aimed at countering racial stereotypes and promoting belonging among African teens and children in Australian schools.

Dr. Baak said the importance of authentic collaboration with those affected by racism in changing public perceptions and fostering a more inclusive environment in schools.

The research team plans to continue working closely with youth co-researchers to influence school policies and practices, ultimately shaping the experiences of belonging for African diaspora youth in educational settings for years to come.