CHILDREN as young as nine have contacted Childline about race and faith based bullying.
The NSPCC said its bases in Foyle and Belfast took 70 counselling calls last year from children from across the UK about these issues.
Muslim, Jewish, Christian, black, and Sikh children were among those calling for help.
They told counsellors the constant abuse and negative stereotyping was so cruel they had self-harmed, and many said they wished they could change who they are.
In the two weeks after the Manchester Arena attack at the end of the Ariana Grande concert in which 22 people were killed and 64 people were injured, there were almost 300 sessions with children concerned about terrorism.
Muslim children said that they endured constant name-calling, accused of being associated with so-called Islamic State, and threatened with violence.
Neil Anderson, Head of NSPCC in the North, said: “No child should be targeted because of their race or faith.
“We cannot allow prejudice to make children feel ashamed of who they are.
“Instead, we should celebrate diversity and stand together.
“It takes huge courage for a child to speak up about this issue and they must be encouraged to speak up if they are being targeted,” added Mr Anderson.
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