A parent in Bo’ness has come forward to share a distressing experience after their child was subjected to racist behavior during a visit to a local park.
The anonymous post, shared on the community Facebook group Bo’ness Natters, quickly drew a wave of responses from residents, sparking a wider conversation about racism in the area and whether it is becoming more common across Scotland.
The parent, who chose to remain anonymous, did not hold back in expressing their frustration and hurt.
“Today I took my child to the park, and the racist behavior of some poorly raised children really upset both me and my child,” they wrote. “Either teach your children proper manners and respect, or if you can’t, don’t have children. Racism in all its forms is wrong. Before anything else, teach them how to be human.”
Anonymous Parent
The post resonated deeply with many in the community. Karen Snedden was among the first to respond, writing,
“So sorry that you and your children had to suffer this ignorant racism. It’s disgusting.” Helen Liston echoed those sentiments, simply saying, “I can only apologise. Awful for your child and you.”
Karen Snedden
Not everyone, however, was quick to take the claim at face value. Some commenters questioned the details of the incident before offering their support.
Sweet Tutifruity asked what exactly was said, explaining that the word racist is sometimes used loosely.
“Loads of people think its ok to start shouting thats rascist cos they dont like an opinion or someone saying something they dont like,” she wrote.
Sweet Tutifruity
Owen Sweeney went further, suggesting that without specific details, the claim was hard to assess. “Without the facts, it’s just another word or claim people use to promote their narrative or get attention,” he said, though he also noted that his general experience of Bo’ness people is that they are welcoming and helpful.
The debate around the post touched on broader political and social fault lines. Yerac Nic Na Ceàrdaich linked the rise of racist attitudes to far-right political figures, writing, “There is no place for this in Scotland.”
Jose Leon, who moved to Scotland seven years ago, said the atmosphere has noticeably shifted.
“It feels like there’s more and more of it here in Scotland lately. It used to feel very different when I moved here,” he shared.
Jose Leon
Aalastair Inglis offered reassurance to the affected family, stating,
“The decent people of Boness will not tolerate it.”
Aalastair Inglis
Meanwhile, Rís Bán pointed the family toward a local support resource, mentioning Rise Forth Valley, a charity that provides peer support and activities for racialised communities.
She noted the charity is launching a youth group in the Falkirk area and extended an open invitation to the child involved.
Jimmy Bryans took a more measured view, writing, “Children will be children, they will grow up eventually,” suggesting that young people can learn and change over time.
The post, while anonymous, clearly struck a nerve in the Bo’ness community. For many residents, it served as a reminder that racism, even when carried out by children, leaves a real mark on its victims.
The broader message from the parent was simple but pointed. Teach your children to be human first.
