behaviour
“I Want a New Skin Colour”: 5-Year-Old Indian Girl’s Cry Exposes Harsh School Reality
Published: 16/12/25
Updated: 16/12/25
A video that has gone viral in India shows a 5-year-old girl crying as she tells her mother she wants a new skin colour. At just five years old, a child should be full of joy and confidence, but this little girl is in pain and self-doubt.
The reason for her tears is shocking. The little girl faced racist comments at school from her classmates because of her darker skin tone. She began to feel ashamed of herself and questioned why she was different.
When Children Learn Prejudice Too Early
Children are naturally innocent. They do not start life judging others based on skin colour. But they learn behaviours and biases from the world around them.
This learning can happen in many ways:
- Family and adults: If children hear people talking about fair skin as better, they start to believe it.
- Media and advertisements: TV shows, movies, and ads often show lighter-skinned characters as heroes or more beautiful.
- Peers: Classmates repeating words they have learned at home or from the media.
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The Emotional Pain of the 5-Year-Old
Hearing racist comments or being made fun of is extremely damaging for children. In this case, the little girl’s tears show the emotional impact of racism on her.
Children who experience this can feel shame about their natural appearance. This leads to loss of self-confidence. This also leads to fear of speaking up or participating.
Such experiences can affect their emotional development and even their mental health if not addressed early.
The problem is not the child - it is the society around her.
How Parents Can Help
Talk openly about skin colour
o Explain that all skin colours are beautiful.
o Share stories and examples of successful people with all skin tones.
Correct racist comments
o If a child repeats something hurtful they heard, explain why it is wrong.
Boost confidence
o Encourage children to express themselves and praise their abilities and personality, not just appearance.
Expose children to diversity
o Books, movies, and playgroups with children of different skin tones can teach acceptance.
The Role of Schools
- Children should be taught about equality, be it skin, studies, or economic background. In this case, a message can go like every skin tone is beautiful.
- Children should feel safe sharing their feelings.
- Racist comments or teasing must be dealt with seriously.
- Adults in schools should be trained on how to spot early signs of discrimination and intervene.
No child should feel ashamed of who they are. No child should believe their skin colour makes them less worthy.
Only then can children grow up feeling proud of themselves, just the way they are
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