Experts weighs in on effects of racism on mental health in wake of Arrowhead social media post

HARTLAND, Wis. (CBS 58) -- In the wake of a racist social media post that surfaced earlier this week from a student at Arrowhead High School, hometown mental health experts are speaking on ways racist words can affect Black kids. 

The alleged photo shows a group of minority students sitting around a table with the caption, "(N-word) table." 

According to the school district, the image was taken and posted to a small group of people four months ago by a 9th grade student. 

The photo was leaked this week by the parent of an Arrowhead student. 

The district says they did not know about the photo until now. 

Mental health experts say messages like the one in the photo can leave a lasting impact on young Black kids.

"Lower grades, not being able to perform well in school, missing school, not wanting to be there, showing up tardy, also perpetuating cycles of intergenerational trauma," said Dr. Lia Knox, founder and CEO of Knox Behavioral Health Solutions. 

In a statement, the district said in part, "The unacceptable language is the result of an extremely young, immature student who had a complete lack of awareness of the implications and impacts of using this racist term."