Get the lowdown on discrimination

Discrimination is when individuals or groups get treated unfairly because they are seen as different.

It is NOT OK to be excluded, called names or treated unfairly because…

you use a wheelchair, need help walking or have any other disability
you have problems learning
your background is Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
you or your parents come from another country
you or your family belong to an ethnic, religious or cultural group
you have a particular skin colour
you're a boy
you're a girl
you're gay or lesbian
you're married or have children
of your physical appearance
of your age
of your economic status.

Some people are prejudiced against those among us who are different. These prejudices come from distrust, fear, misunderstanding, lack of knowledge or jealousy.

Sometimes policies and situations discriminate. Think about how many public places don't provide wheelchair access.

We can deal with our own prejudices by making friends with all groups of people – not just those we would normally relate to.

"Adults always use the quote 'sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me'. Words do hurt. They don't hurt you physically but emotionally and mentally. And the scars
are there even when you can't see them."

...Year 10 student

Find out more about discrimination

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