A 10-year-old Fife boy has revealed the racist abuse he has received at school in a TikTok video.
The clip shows Ethan To, from Glenrothes, holding up sheets of paper with words like “P**i”, “Ch***y” and “black b*****d”.
He goes on to explain that “these are just a few of the names I’ve been called at school this week”.
The youngster holds up another sheet saying: “Until lately, I did not know that my skin colour was an issue for some.”
He then adds: “Have I done something wrong?”
Later in the video, Ethan holds up signs saying his dad, Mason, does not believe those responsible are bad people or bullies – but are “uneducated on racism”.
Mason posted the video in an attempt to raise awareness and inform other children about the impact of using racist language.
He says he was the victim of racist abuse himself as a school pupil in Fife – and wants to ensure Ethan grows up in a better environment.
Mason, whose family are of Chinese descent, told The Courier: “There’s a been a couple of incidents in the past so we’re just trying to take a different approach.
“When I was younger, times were different. Me and my brother had to fend for ourselves and be more physical.
‘Kids aren’t being taught about racism’
“I ended up always coming off worse and that’s not what I want for my kids.
“The video has been quite impactful already.
“I’m not looking to target or blame anyone for this. I’m just looking to get people to educate children on this issue.
“Kids aren’t being taught about racism. They’re not being taught about what effect these words have.
“This is about education. I think this is the only way we can get through to people.”
Mason hopes using social media will be an effective way of getting people’s attention.
He said: “This is not about trying to create hate.
“It’s about asking: why are children choosing these words on top of other words and do they actually know what they mean?
“Do they then know what impact that will have?
“They’ve maybe picked it up via music or an older kid and think it’s cool.
@mazonto P4ki. Ch1nky. Black Bast4rd These are the names my son has been called this week at school by more than just one child. He’s just turned 10. Till lately, his skin colour has never even crossed his mind as being an issue. Now, he asks questions. This was also the norm for me at this age. At this very same school. I was Bullied. Called racist names. Tried to defend myself. Always ended up getting the blame. Or coming off worse. Then I went to high school. Had enough. Ended up becoming a bully. Built up a bad reputation. Wasn’t allowed to stay on at school. Spent the last 15 years trying to become the person who I should’ve been all along. A person who my son will slowly begin to lose if this continues. A caring, loving, loyal person who just wants to be surrounded by good, decent individuals. These kids are not bad These kids are not evil These kids are not misguided These kids do not have bad parents These kids are uneducated on racism Help me Help my son Educate your kids on Racism Love to you all ❤️ #fyp #trending #viral #trendingnow #stopracism #educatekidsonracism #neverchange #beyou
“There’s no education on it and too much tiptoeing around the topic when teaching about it.
“Why can’t we just point out the words in school that Ethan showed and say: these are the words that have this impact and this is what they mean?
“If you say them to these people because of the colour of their skin, this is the impact they’ll have and believe me, you’re going to face the consequences of saying them – whether you’re 10 or 30.”
‘This is not for sympathy’
Ethan’s football team, The Young Glens, have also come out in support of the youngster.
Mason added: “This is not for sympathy, it’s not to point any fingers, its not to target anyone.
“This is purely to target parents, teachers and those of an influential stature so that they can help educate kids.”
Shelagh McLean, head of education and children’s services at Fife Council, said: “The welfare and wellbeing of the young people in our schools is our priority and our schools place the importance of positive relationships at the centre of what they do.
“Bullying in any form is unacceptable and our schools all have systems in place to support children.
“The young people involved have to be our first consideration and we will always work to support them and protect their health and wellbeing.
“I’d urge any young person and/or parent who has concerns to come directly to the school and discuss those with us.”
