What if parents of a dual heritage child disagree on the ethnic group of the child?
DCSF Guidance explains that for children aged up to 11, those with parental authority should make the decision on the ethnic background of the child. Children aged 11-15 should make this decision with the support of their parents. Young people aged 16 and over can make the decision for themselves. However, an individual’s perception of their own ethnic identity is considered sensitive personal data and ultimately it is the ‘data subject’, i.e., the pupil, who determines their own identity by ethnic group. For children aged 11 and above, it is the child’s decision that matters and should take precedence over that of their parents. In the event of a significant disagreement arising either between parents or between a parent and child over ethnic identity, we recommend that the matter should be referred to the DCSF.
