Black parents speak out: The school environment and interplay with wellbeing

Objective: This article presents an account of the beliefs and perceptions of Black parents and the influence of the education system on the wellbeing of their children. Method: The material is drawn from a large ethnographic study that explored the attitudes and experiences of Black families and adolescents on healthy lifestyle. Setting: Ten Black families of African Caribbean origin were interviewed in their homes. Results: Despite the high value placed on education, a number of key factors were viewed as compromising the wellbeing of African Caribbean adolescents in schools; these were identified as experiences of racism, the delivery of a Euro-centric curriculum, and reliance on suspension and exclusion as a form of discipline at school. Participants also believed that because African Caribbean boys suffered worse educational achievements and the consequences of racism, this led to a significantly poorer wellbeing in comparison with the girls. Conclusion: Findings suggested that for schools to enable the wellbeing and positive self-esteem of young people it is important to promote and provide an educational experience that responds to every child's need for knowledge, linked to their unique experiences and histories. Though experiences in school are not the only factors that can affect the wellbeing of young people, it remains an important area to consider irrespective of ethnicity. Data from this study provides a conceptual and methodological basis for future large-scale and longitudinal investigations into the educational experiences of children from different ethnic groups and interplay with wellbeing, including health inequalities later in adult life.