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Homobullying

Decent Essays

Homophobic bullying is an epidemic that affects gay pupils’ attendance and attainment at school. Stonewall’s 2012 research found that over half of lesbian, gay and bisexual students experience homophobic bullying at school. This is supported by ‘The Teachers’ Report,’ which states that teachers often hear homophobic language used such as “that’s so gay” or “you’re gay.” If this language continues to go unchallenged, it can have severe negative consequences for young people, resulting in them skipping lessons or even more seriously, resulting in depression and self-harm. All because of what you say! “The bullying went on for the whole five years of secondary school. I was depressed, I cut (myself,) and I was on the verge of suicide. For …show more content…

Drug use equals expulsion, abusive behavior results in suspension… but where does homophobia lie? The problem is, it’s not seen as a major offence. Schools should be obligated to ensure that no student is harassed based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Teachers play a crucial role in preventing homophobic bullying yet they do not get adequate training on how to intervene. Some teachers cite fears of upsetting parents and faith communities by venturing into sensitive territory. Others say they need firm backing from school governors in order to address issues relating to homosexuality and society's attitudes to it in their lessons. "I would want to be following a clear and specific school policy regarding these issues before I addressed them in the classroom, to ensure I would not be left open to criticism from school senior management, governors and parents," says one primary teacher from a school in the east of …show more content…

Currently the media portrays perfect heterosexual relationships and families. But when do we ever hear about gay parents? School children idolize aspects of the media; so putting the thought that LGBT children are ‘not how they should be’ not only isolates gay children but also supports heterosexist beliefs, that being gay is wrong. Schools need to challenge children’s speculations about children of a different sexual orientation. By being open, everyone benefits.

"I used to think gay people were wrong when I was young. I had that stereotype, and I'd say 'you're gay', not in a good way, like it was, you know, eurgh," says 17-year-old Moe Salim, an A-level student at Welling school in Bexley, written in the guardian. "Now, I'd think, why would anyone say that? It's really unnecessary. I'm black, and if someone said to me 'you're a nigger', well, it's the

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