NO-HEADLINE

Bullying and even racism within families is a constant blight on the lives of many ethnic minority children, an analysis of calls to the charity ChildLine has revealed. Many callers to the helpline said bullying had been a feature of their entire school life, while mixed-race children facing prejudice within the family were possibly "the most unhappy we hear from", said Mary MacLeod, the organisation's research director.

The report paints a depressing picture of the problems suffered by some young people. A 12-year-old whose father died two years ago, told the helpline: "I am black and my mum is white. She has a new boyfriend who is completely racist. He is nice to me when my mum or friends are there but is horrible when we are alone. He says things like, 'you need a bath'." Patricia Wynn Davies