School bullies turn to homophobia

OLDHAM is leading the fight against homophobia in schools following the results of a shock survey.

A National Union of Teachers (NUT) survey revealed more than 85 per cent of the borough’s teachers witnessed homophobic abuse on a daily or weekly basis.

The pilot survey, which had a 45 per cent response rate, focused on five secondary schools in Oldham.

Some 90 per cent of teachers said they witnessed specific pupils suffering homophobic bullying or discrimination every term.

More than half of staff, 56.6 per cent, said they were the subject of homophobic abuse during the school year. And just under half of teachers, 45.8 per cent, felt confident about addressing homophobia in the classroom, but said more training was needed.

The survey will now go out to all North-West schools. Head teachers in the borough will be made aware of the issue and given targeted guidance, such as a list of words deemed unacceptable.

And a comprehensive package of measures for staff and pupils will be launched in January, 2009.

Tony Harrison, branch secretary of Oldham NUT, said he feared the same issues would be found in schools across the region.

But he felt Oldham’s experience in tackling issues such as racism would help.

“Homophobia is a destructive force and damages young people who are abused because of their sexuality or perceived sexuality,” he said.

“We will be there in schools to ensure that pupils — gay and straight — will know where to turn to for help and staff will be trained to help,” added Mr Harrison.

Jeff Evans, Oldham and North-West NUT equality officer, said: “Homophobic bullying is crippling young people’s lives as we speak.

“We need action. Shining a light on the problem is part of the solution. The only way this can fail is if silence descends on the issue.”

Amelia Lee, trustee of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans (LGBT) Youth North-West organisation, said homophobia in schools was endemic and epidemic.

She said: “LGBT people are coming out younger than before but society is lagging behind. We need to ensure we preserve their safety and their rights.”