Here's a breakdown of the development of biases in children:
* Infancy (0-2 years): Babies are naturally curious about differences, but they don't have the cognitive ability to form prejudice. They may show a preference for familiar faces or objects, but this is not discrimination.
* Early Childhood (3-5 years): Children begin to notice differences in physical appearance, language, and culture. They may start to form preferences based on these differences, but they don't necessarily understand the concept of "better" or "worse." This is a time of exploration and learning about the world.
* Middle Childhood (6-11 years): Children become more aware of social norms and may start to internalize prejudices they observe in their environment. They might make generalizations about groups based on limited information, and their understanding of fairness and equality is still developing.
* Adolescence (12-18 years): Adolescents are more capable of abstract thinking and critical analysis. They can start to question their own beliefs and challenge societal biases. They may become more aware of social justice issues and actively work to combat prejudice.
It's important to note that:
* Every child is different. Some children develop biases earlier than others, and some may never develop them at all.
* The environment plays a huge role. Children learn about prejudice from their families, peers, and the media.
* Early intervention is crucial. Helping children understand and challenge biases from a young age is essential to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
Instead of asking "at what age do children start to discriminate," it's more accurate to ask:
* How can we prevent children from internalizing prejudice?
* How can we teach children about diversity and inclusion?
* How can we create a world where children feel safe and accepted regardless of their differences?
By focusing on these questions, we can work towards a future where all children can grow up free from the harmful effects of prejudice.