Children and teenagers are at risk of suffering mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, if they experience racism, new research suggests.

Australian and UK researchers carried out a review of international studies on this topic and found over 450 cases of links between racism and health outcomes in young people. This was the first review of its kind.

"The review showed there are strong and consistent relationships between racial discrimination and a range of detrimental health outcomes such as low self-esteem, reduced resilience, increased behaviour problems and lower levels of wellbeing," explained lead researcher, Dr Naomi Priest, of the University of Melbourne.

Most of the studies reviewed focused on people aged between 12 and 18. Common ethnic groups represented in the studies included Asians, African Americans and Latinos.

According to Dr Priest, this is an important issue that must be addressed in the community, in schools and in society as a whole.

"We know that children who experience poor health and wellbeing are less likely to engage in education, employment and other activities that support them to lead healthy and productive lives and to participate meaningfully in the community," she noted.

Details of these findings are due to be published in the journal, Social Science & Medicine.

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