Content warning: This article mentions mental health, bullying, racism, self-harm and suicide.

Young people from ethnic communities are struggling with their mental health and are experiencing widespread racist bullying in school, according to a new Ministry of Ethnic Communities report.

The Ethnic Evidence report brings together a collection of evidence on how ethnic communities are faring in Aotearoa.

The report is designed to help the public sector consider these communities in government investment, policy development and services.

Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee in a statement said while the diverse population is increasing, ethnic communities “have largely been invisible in public sector data” for too long. 

“As a result, their voices have not always been heard in government decision-making and service delivery,” Lee said.

The 2023 Census shows nearly a third of Aotearoa’s population – or 1.4 million people – were born overseas in more than 200 birthplaces. 

Ethnic communities include anyone who identifies as Asian, Continental European, and Middle Eastern, Latin American and African (MELAA), including former refugees, asylum seekers, new and temporary migrants.

The report sets as a baseline to track the communities' progress over time and it covers more than 120 measures across areas such as work and employment, connectedness and belonging, health and wellbeing, housing, income and education.

Mental health insights of young people from ethnic communities

The report shows Asian people’s mental health and wellbeing is similar to the general population, but suggests their level of mental health is under-reported due to cultural sensitivities and structural barriers. It may prevent them from seeking support.

MELAA young people and adults report lower overall wellbeing and higher levels of distress. More than a third of MELAA young people have seriously considered attempting suicide.

Many students were found to have strong cultural identities but concerns remain around widespread experience of racist bullying and often feeling like they don’t belong.

Particularly for Asian and MELAA young people, racial discrimination at school and low family support were risk factors for self-harm.

Ministry for Ethnic Communities chief executive Mervin Singham said it’s fair to say racist bullying impacts young people’s mental health issues.

Singham said it’s not just young ethnic people who need some additional support - all students need support in understanding and valuing diversity.

“[They] also need to understand diversity, to connect with those students in their classroom that are different from them.”

Dr Roshini Peiris-John is the co-director for the University of Auckland’s Centre for Asian and Ethnic Minority Health Research and Evaluation. 

She said these findings aren’t new to those in the sector and they’ve been publishing similar findings over the last 10 years. Their research has also found that young people face bullying over their ethnicity and discrimination is a big issue within schools, healthcare systems, and communities.

They’ve also found high-levels of young people not accessing healthcare services when they need to. It’s for various reasons such as cost and the lack of cultural safety, she said.

Being called ‘high-achieving’ may be harmful 

The Ethnic Evidence report also noted ethnic communities have high-achieving students, with some being the country’s top performers.

In 2022, Asian and MELAA secondary students had NCEA Level 2 pass rates close to those of European students. Asian students also outperformed national and OECD averages in reading, numeracy, and science skills.

Peiris-John said highlighting young people’s achievements in the report is good but it’s important to recognise that they feel the pressure to uphold the status of being a high-achiever and it impacts their mental health. 

“The expectation by parents, teachers and schools weighs heavily on them and not all are or can be high-achievers.”

The high expectations also affect young people’s ability to receive the support they need, she said.

“Even when they go to school counselors, they’re told, 'You’re doing well… What are you worried about?”

Dr Roshini Peiris-John is the co-director for the University of Auckland’s Centre for Asian and Ethnic Minority Health Research and Evaluation. Photo: Supplied

‘Huge ambitions for this report’

Peiris-John hopes this ministry-led evidence report will enable Government action to address the racism and discrimination experienced by ethnic communities and its young people.

She said there needs to be safe and inclusive physical and social spaces within schools, within communities and in healthcare settings and recommends engaging with young people in co-designing these interventions.

“We have to improve healthcare, particularly access to mental healthcare and avoid a one-size-fits-all approach.”

Singham said he has big ambitions for this report and one of them is to help the Government create targeted interventions for ethnic communities and its young people.

Ministry for Ethnic Communities chief executive Mervin Singham said it’s fair to say racist bullying impacts young people’s mental health issues. Photo: Supplied

He said the ministry wants to do better data collection for future reports, not just data on ethnic groups in clusters.

For example, instead of collecting data for Asians, they hope to break it down by ethnicity such as Chinese, Filipino, and Korean.

Being able to compare in-depth data overtime also means the Government can see what’s working, what’s not, and what needs improvement, he said.

He said the report will also enable communities to highlight their achievements and advocate for their needs better.

Lastly Singham said they want to promote awareness in mainstream society.

“We want people to understand [what areas] we are strong [at], or weak [at]. We have deep issues that you don’t face… And that understanding builds social cohesion [and] helps us connect with human beings.”

Where to get help:

• 1737: The nationwide, 24/7 mental health support line. Call or text 1737 to speak to a trained counsellor.
• Suicide Crisis Line: Free call 0508 TAUTOKO or 0508 828 865. Nationwide 24/7 support line operated by experienced counsellors with advanced suicide prevention training. 
• Youthline: Free call 0800 376 633, free text 234. Nationwide service focused on supporting young people.
• Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342, Mon-Fri, 9am-8pm. 
• Asian Mental Health Services: click on the link for local helplines.
• OUTLine NZ: Freephone 0800 OUTLINE (0800 688 5463). National service that helps LGBTIQ+ New Zealanders access support, information and a sense of community. 

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