Booklet is being published in English and Cantonese

Two thirds of children from ethnic minorities in Northern Ireland have experienced racial harassment, according to research.

It is the first time such a publication has been produced in the province.

The booklet is being published in English and Cantonese.

FORMS OF BULLYING Name calling Graffiti Racist jokes Text messaging Mocking

Chief executive of the Chinese Welfare Association Anna Lo said many parents found it difficult to challenge authority because of the language barrier.

"A lot of incidents have gone unreported.

"We want the parents to feel that... if things are not right, they can go and talk to schools.

"I'm sure that when schools hear about the problems, they would want to do something about it," she said.

Children are often anxious to hide bullying because they are afraid the abuse will get worse if they tell an adult.

Pip Jaffa of the Parents Advice Centre, which helped to compile the booklet, said that it could help the parents know what to do by providing good guidance.

"It gives very practical guidance and information looking out for the signs of bullying and helping them to know what action they should take in respect of the schools," she said.

Siobhan Molloy of the Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities said that the effect of bullying on children was severe.

"It makes the children feel very isolated - cuts them off - and we feel it's very important that in a situation like that, parents realise that schools now have anti-bullying policies and that they should be able to go to the school," she said.

More than 100 events are being held both in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland this week as part of European Anti-Racism Week.

The programme of events aims to highlight the benefits of multi-culturalism and raise awareness of racism.

The events include workshops on different cultures, festivals, art and craft exhibitions, theatre performances and sporting events.