Homophobic bullying in schools - Stonewall study

In 2006, we were asked by Stonewall, the lesbian and gay lobbying organisation, to host an online survey about homophobic bullying.
Over 1145 young people from across the UK took part in the survey.
The key findings were:

  • "Almost two thirds (65 per cent) of young lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils have experienced direct bullying. Seventy five per cent of young gay people attending faith schools have experienced homophobic bullying.
  • Even if gay pupils are not directly experiencing bullying, they are learning in an environment where homophobic language and comments are commonplace. Ninety eight per cent of young gay people hear the phrases “that’s so gay” or “you’re so gay” in school, and over four fifths hear such comments often or frequently.
  • Ninety seven per cent of pupils hear other insulting homophobic remarks, such as “poof”, “dyke”, “rug-muncher”, “queer” and “bender”. Over seven in ten gay pupils hear those phrases used often or frequently.
  • Less than a quarter (23 per cent) of young gay people have been told that homophobic bullying is wrong in their school. In schools that have said homophobic bullying is wrong, gay young people are 60 per cent more likely not to have been bullied.
  • Over half of lesbian and gay pupils don’t feel able to be themselves at school. Thirty five per cent of gay pupils do not feel safe or accepted at school."

For a copy of the full report, see:

Stonewall have also produced a practical guide for teachers on challenging homophobic language:

Topics: 
bullying
research
schools
secondary
Sex and Relationships Education
SHEU