HUNDREDS of children across the Thames Valley are falling victim to hate crime, a children’s charity has revealed.

Childline, part of the NSPCC, has said that 227 children in the region have been physically or verbally abused over their race or religious background.

The revelation comes as the charity launches its Understand Me Campaign, which sets out to challenge discrimination.

Chief executive of the NSPCC, Peter Wanless, said: “It’s heartbreaking to think that some children are targeted by bullies because of their race, culture or nationality.

“Racist jokes and negative stereotyping can be hurtful and leave young people feeling isolated and ashamed of who they are or where they are from.

“Our Understand Me campaign aims to reach out to all children who are experiencing racial or faith based bullying and make sure they know that they are not alone.

"No child should suffer in silence and anyone being targeted must be supported to tell someone and ask for help.”

Figures obtained by the NSPCC with a Freedom of Information request show that 128 hate crimes against children were recorded by Thames Valley Police last year, up from 99 in 2015/16.

Nationally there was a 14 per cent increase in hate crimes against children in one year, with 5,349 hate crimes with a racial, religious or faith – based element in 2016/17.

The campaign, which includes a film ‘Think You Understand Me?’, challenges xenophobia and prejudice, empowering young people to speak out about racial bullying and discrimination and seek help should they need it.

Tom Hayes, Oxford City Council’s lead for community safety, said: “As a school governor, it’s heartbreaking to think that children bullied because of their race are suffering in silence.

“When young people routinely hear racist jokes, they will internalise that prejudice and grow up thinking less of themselves .

“We need every last child to know they are equal and respected, and to report every instance of hate.

"This figure sadly could be the tip of the iceberg.”

Childline is a free 24-hour counselling service for children and young people up to their 19th birthday in the UK.

It was founded in 1986 by Dame Esther Rantzen.

Dame Esther, president of Childline said: “Bullying of any kind is vile, but targeting someone because of the colour of their skin, religious beliefs or their accent is simply unacceptable.

"Children are taking on board prejudices around race and religion in society and trading them as playground insults, with extremely harmful results.

Any child who is worried about bullying can call Childline on 0800 11 11.