Homophobia is rife in schools

A survey by the ATL teachers’ union has found that homophobic bullying remains a serious problem in schools and colleges.

Half of the 268 teachers surveyed were aware of gossiping or rumour-mongering about pupils’ sexuality, and two-thirds said they regularly heard homophobic language; a quarter heard it several times a week, with one in six encountering it daily.

More than 70% reported hearing insulting terms referring to sexuality, with the word “gay” being the most frequently-used derogatory term.

In a position statement, An inclusive culture: challenging homophobic and sexist bullying, ATL identifies “a wide-ranging conspiracy of silence” caused by teachers’ failure — for a variety of reasons — to challenge homophobic language when they hear it.

As a result, it says, “homophobia remains a pervasive and persistent problem within our society”.

Sue Saunders from the campaigning group School’s Out, told the March issue of ATL’s journal Report: “There is a strong desire among teachers to do something about it, but they feel they lack the tools to do it. They need training, as well as support from their school.”

Saunders added that union reps must also be trained to support members on this issue. “For example, they need to be aware of the importance of confidentiality to someone who needs help but doesn’t want to come out to everyone.”

ATL member Mark Baker, chair of the task group that produced the union’s statement, said the survey’s findings “should concern all educationalists”.