Consistent with the motivational basis to prejudice, a further factor which has consistently shown to be related to intergroup hostilities among children is self-esteem. Given that early childhood is the time when stereotypes and attitudes are first being formed, there is an emphasis in the literature on early childhood interventions. However, the importance of cross-cultural awareness and education for adolescents and young adults should not be underestimated. Some young adults, especially those who attended predominantly monocultural schools in their formative years, may have had little contact with people of different backgrounds. While the cognitive capacity to perspective-take, and its emotional counterpart, empathic responses, develop in early childhood, there is wide variation in the extent to which children develop these attributes.
Parenting practices are one determinant of their development.
Another intervention approach is to work with young people to challenge racism. Using the arts The arts can be a medium for advocacy and social commentary, providing opportunities for communicating both anti-racist sentiments and the experiences of minority groups to the wider community. Music was found to be effective in combating racism in Britain during the 1970s when an organisation called Rock Against Racism sought to communicate anti-racist themes through popular music. It was hoped that by raising awareness of racism in a culturally accessible manner, a change in behaviour would follow. Another way to challenge racism is to use high profile individuals as role models of anti- racist behaviours.