Stonewall Release Guide To Help Teachers Curb Homophobic Language And Abuse

Research by YouGov for Stonewall has shown 95% of secondary school staff, and three quarters of primary school staff, have heard children using phrases such as ‘you’re so gay’ or ‘that’s so gay’. The research also highlighted that eight in ten at secondary level, and two in five at primary level have heard homophobic remarks including ‘poof’, ‘dyke’ and ‘queer’.

Undoubtedly concerning, the element that Stonewall have however found most worrying is that nine in ten primary and secondary school teachers have never received any training on how to prevent and respond to homophobic bullying.

In recognition of this finding, the gay rights organisation have released a plain English guide aimed at secondary and primary school teachers, as well as youth professionals, that not only offers practical advice, but also as well as policy information, legislation and real life case studies of how other schools has dealt with the issue.

Using members of the Stonewall’s Education Champion Programme, a scheme set up to allow Local Authorities to work with Stonewall to tackle homophobic bullying in schools, as the source for these case studies Stonewall have acted to ensure that the guidance doesn’t just have similar objectives to the guide but follows them exactly, making the advice a lot easier to implement.

Speaking about these findings, Stonewall Chief Executive Ben Summerskill said ‘Every day in schools homophobic language undermines the confidence and self-esteem not just of young gay people but of any student deemed different. Challenging homophobic language doesn’t have to be time-consuming or difficult. Stonewall’s education guides are designed to restore confidence to teachers who, until now, have been under-equipped in creating an environment where all young people can learn free from discrimination and bullying.’