Bristol cracks down on homophobic bullying

Release Date:  19-Mar-2010

Bristol City Council has signed up to a national programme to help tackle homophobia and homophobic bullying in its schools.

Lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) equality charity, Stonewall, has developed its Education Champions programme to provide support and guidance to local authorities in their work with schools.

Bristol City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Clare Campion-Smith, said:  “Bullying of any kind is wrong and homophobic bullying can be particularly cruel.  By joining Stonewall’s Education Champions campaign, we are taking a clear stance that homophobic bullying will not be tolerated in Bristol’s schools. We will be working with Stonewall to use national best practice to inform our work to address homophobic bullying and to promote a safe and inclusive learning environment for all young people.”

As part of its commitment to promote lesbian, gay and bisexual equalities in schools, the City Council has also launched a working group, which includes head teachers and governors, to consult on priorities and take forward best practice to tackle homophobia and homophobic bullying.

National research shows that almost two thirds of lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils in secondary schools experience homophobic bullying. And homophobic bullying doesn’t only affect lesbian, gay and bisexual young people: 9 in 10 teachers say young people perceived as ‘different’ or who have gay friends and family may also experience homophobic bullying.

ln schools that have said homophobic bullying is wrong, gay young people are 60 per cent less likely to have been bullied.

Stonewall Chief Executive, Ben Summerskill, said: “Local authorities have a critical role to play in ensuring that all schools in their area are well equipped with the latest resources to help them tackle homophobic bullying.”

Author:   Katharine de Lisle 0117 922 2732

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