Teenagers from ethnic and minority groups face many instances of discrimination based on race, a recent study has found.
The survey of more than 9000 randomly selected secondary school students in New Zealand revealed that there were significant ethnic differences in the prevalence of ethnic discrimination.
More than half of the students, selected from a nationally representative cross-sectional sample, who experienced ethnic discrimination were less likely to report good health, or feel safe in their neighbourhood. They were also more likely to report an episode of binge drinking in the previous four weeks.
Experiencing ethnic discrimination has been associated with a range of adverse health outcomes, say the researchers – Sue Crengle, Elizabeth Robinson, Shanthi Ameratunga, Terryann Clark and Deborah Raphael.
Within each ethnic group participants reporting ethnic discrimination were more likely to have adverse outcomes for depression, cigarette smoking, and self-rated school achievement.
Ethnic discrimination is more commonly reported by indigenous and minority group students, the study revealed. Both experiencing and being ‘unsure’ about experiencing ethnic discrimination are associated with a range of adverse health/wellbeing outcomes.
“Our findings highlight the progress yet to be made to ensure that rights to be free from ethnic discrimination are met for young people living in New Zealand.”
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