Shock study revealing childhood sectarianism
**Via Newshound
Research reveals children as young as three displaying bigotry
By Connla Young
Children as young as three years-old in the North are displaying sectarian attitudes, a Belfast conference heard yesterday.
Queen’s University professor Paul Connolly told delegates attending the Diversity and Inclusion in the Early Years conference, organised by parent support group, Nippa, that children can relate to cultural symbolism by the time they reach the age of three.
Experts from across the globe have gathered in Belfast for the three-day conference which will examine a range of issues of importance to the development of children.
“Many people may find it hard to believe, but the signs of sectarianism and racism and other prejudices can be evident at this very early age,” said Professor Connolly.
“Children can show a strong preference for the cultural events and symbols of their own community by the time they are three.
“When they are six, many are fully aware that they belong to one side or another.
“At six years of age one third of children already see themselves as part of one community and 15 per cent make sectarian statements.
“But the foundations of this are laid at the age of three or four.
“For instance, Catholic three year-olds are twice as likely to say they don’t like the police or Orange marches.
“At that age there is a clear tendency for children to like their own flag. Children pick up and internalise the prejudices of their own community.”
The Queen’s academic, who has written extensively on issues surrounding diversity said sectarian attitudes are more likely to be seen in boys because they are brought up to be more aggressive
“It is important that at this young age we give children a more positive, rounded and inclusive view of difference and diversity in all its forms,” he said.
Professor Connolly is currently involved in several media-based projects aimed at breaking down prejudice among children in the North.
