Source+9

http://www.antibullying.net/homophobicinfo3.htm


 * Homophobic bullying has been reported in primary, as well as secondary schools. It may be directed at young people of any sexual orientation and at children who have not yet reached puberty. Teachers, parents and other adults in schools may also be bullied in this way.
 * Homophobic bullying in schools can be a problem in a number of ways:
 * Children who experience it have their education disrupted. They may be unable to concentrate on lessons because of feelings of fear or anger. Their self-confidence may be damaged and, as a result, they may never fulfil their academic potential.
 * It can be a particular problem for teenagers who are confused or unsure about their own developing sexuality. Some victims are driven to the edge of despair or beyond, with lasting consequences for their emotional health and development.
 * Schools that ignore it, or deny its existence, are not helping young people to develop a concern for the welfare of minorities and tolerance of difference.
 * Homophobic bullying can involve physical or mental violence by a group or an individual. It is often aimed at someone who has poor defenses and who, as a result, may be significantly upset. Victims may be male or female.
 * Words like “queer” and “poof” and “lezzie” have been used abusively for many years. They have now been joined by words (such as “gay” and “lesbian”) which were formerly descriptive but which now may be used as general insults. In some youth cultures, “gay” is now used as a derogatory adjective to describe objects and people that may have no connection whatsoever with homosexuality.
 * The root cause may well be prejudice against gay and lesbian people. Even very young children, who do not understand what homosexuality is, may be encouraged to indulge in homophobic behaviour by this general prejudice.
 * Both sexes can be involved in homophobic name-calling. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that boys are most likely to be victimised by other boys.
 * Teachers are rarely accused of such overt actions but, by the careless use of words such as “sissy” or by simply failing to challenge homophobic name-calling, they can be perceived as giving tacit approval.
 * Who is affected by bullying?
 * Children and adults who are perceived to be gay or lesbian
 * Young people and adults who are lesbian or gay
 * Children who have a gay or lesbian, parent or sibling
 * Everyone who teaches or learns in an environment where such behaviour is tolerated.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It is not just pupils who can be subjected to homophobic bullying in schools.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It is important that any school anti-bullying policy should embrace all members of the school community - adult and child.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Homophobic name-calling should always be challenged in the same way that racist or sexist behaviour is. Normal anti-bullying strategies should be used when reacting to incidents and these strategies must have a clear place within the context of a whole school preventative policy
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The most important thing teachers can do is to strive to create a positive, open, tolerant ethos in which matters of concern to young people are discussed calmly.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The curriculum should include appropriate coverage of sexuality, although teachers must be sensitive to the age and emotional development of pupils and to the cultural practices and religious beliefs of families. Discussions about homophobia and other kinds of bullying and abuse may be included in a number of curriculum areas, including Health Education, Sex Education, Personal and Social Education, English, History, Media Studies, Modern Studies and Religious and Moral Education.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Research suggests that while homophobic bullying is common, there is no conclusive evidence to show that it is decreasing or increasing.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The aim of such discussions is to allow children to develop the skills, values and knowledge which they need in order to protect themselves from harassment and abuse of all kinds and to become non-abusing individuals themselves.