Story perspectives

One-Third of UK School Leaders Report Racial Harassment

3/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

A survey by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) reveals that over a third of UK school leaders reported incidents of racial harassment during student commutes.
ASCL General Secretary Pepe Di'Iasio highlighted the role of social media in exacerbating divisions and expressed concern over rising nationalism.
He noted that 40% of headteachers observed an increase in racist incidents in the past year.
The UK government is consulting on online safety for children, but MPs recently rejected proposals to ban social media for users under 16.

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Story summary

A survey by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) reveals that over a third of UK school leaders reported incidents of racial harassment during student commutes.
ASCL General Secretary Pepe Di'Iasio highlighted the role of social media in exacerbating divisions and expressed concern over rising nationalism.
He noted that 40% of headteachers observed an increase in racist incidents in the past year.
The UK government is consulting on online safety for children, but MPs recently rejected proposals to ban social media for users under 16.