Children who are teased often or victimized by inappropriate comments or actions suffer tremendously. Young children often do not realize that this type of behavior is inappropriate. Like forbidden words, children have a tendency to pick up and use ethnic and racial slurs. For instance, a younger child may have heard an older child or adult use words ridiculing some ethnic group or race. He may then try to use the same word either to imitate or to see if he gets the same response.
Children pick up words and gestures from television too.
Dealing with a child who is making fun of another person's race, religion, or disability is a true challenge. Racial and ethnic slurs and comments based on physical disabilities cannot be ignored. They are like verbal slaps and are too hurtful or damaging to the victim to be ignored. When providers witness a child saying something hurtful or disrespectful, they should immediately address the situation. Speak directly to the child.