‘Stop and think – words can hurt’ is the theme for this year’s Anti-Bullying Week (14-18 November).
Ninety five per cent of secondary school teachers, recently polled by YouGov for Stonewall, reported hearing the phrases ‘you’re so gay’ or ‘that’s so gay’ in their schools. And nine in ten said that children and young people, regardless of their sexual orientation, experience homophobic bullying, name calling or harassment.
This Anti-Bullying Week several high-profile supporters have joined Stonewall’s Education for All campaign, which tackles homophobic bullying in schools. Household names including Coronation Street star and Guardian columnist Charlie Condou and broadcaster and journalist Vanessa Feltz have spoken out about the urgent need to tackle this issue.
Ben Summerskill, Stonewall’s Chief Executive, said: ‘Anti-Bullying Week is a powerful opportunity to raise awareness of the need to tackle homophobic bullying and language in our schools. No child or young person should be prevented from fulfilling their potential because of homophobic bullying.’
There are many ways to get involved in Stonewall’s work this Anti-Bullying Week and beyond. Take part in Stonewall’s photo competition, ask your old school, or a school near where you live, to become a Stonewall School Champion or hold a tea party in aid of Stonewall. See www.stonewall.org.uk/antibullying for more ideas.
Sixty three per cent of secondary teachers say homophobic bullying has a negative impact on pupils’ school work, which can ultimately lead to them missing out on career and development opportunities.
‘The bullying had a huge impact on my school work and home life…I found it a lot harder to concentrate, worrying about silly things like leaving the classroom for break, or getting across the yard between lessons.’ – Jess, 16
