Stonewall Cymru launches bilingual version of homophobic bullying report

Stonewall Cymru is launching a bilingual version of The School Report on 28 March 2009 at Venue Cymru, Llandudno. The report is the largest poll of young gay people ever conducted in Great Britain, and presents a shocking picture of the extent of homophobic bullying undertaken by pupils and, more alarmingly, school staff. 

Key findings are:

• Sixty five per cent of lesbian, gay and bisexual gay pupils have experienced homophobic bullying.
• Of those, 92 per cent (143,000) have experienced verbal homophobic bullying, 41 per cent (64,000) physical bullying and 17 per cent (26,000) death threats.
• 97 per cent of LGB pupils hear derogatory phrases such as 'dyke', 'queer' and 'rug-muncher' used in school.
• Half of teachers fail to respond to homophobic language when they hear it.
• Thirty per cent of lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils say that adults - teachers or support staff - are responsible for homophobic incidents in their school 
• Less than a quarter of schools have told pupils that homophobic bullying is wrong.  

This bilingual report, which was supported by the Welsh Assembly Government, will be launched at the Stonewall Cymru Annual Event, 'Education: Our Right', which will explore lesbian, gay and bisexual issues in education in the widest sense, from secondary schools to language learning. The event will see John Sam Jones, the acclaimed author and PSE adviser for Denbighshire addressing delegates. There will also be a chance to hear the personal experiences of lesbian, gay and bisexual governors, students and lecturers.  

Education Minister Jane Hutt said: "The Welsh Assembly Government fully supports the launch of ‘The School Report’ which highlights the vital role schools can play in preventing and responding to homophobic bullying, both within their boundaries but also in the wider community. 

“Tackling the problem of bullying is a huge challenge but one that the Welsh Assembly Government is determined to take on. We are continuing to work with Stonewall Cymru to develop guidance on tackling homophobic bullying in schools that will further strengthen our approaches to combating the issue.” 

Rhian Keyse, Youth and Education Officer at Stonewall Cymru said: “We are delighted to be launching the bilingual School Report today. This alarming report will be distributed to all secondary schools in Wales, and should act as a wake-up call to everyone working in education. Homophobic bullying remains one of the few sorts of bullying about which too many schools still take no action, even six years after the repeal of Section 28 which deterred schools from tackling it for so long”.

Click here to download The School Report
Click here for more information on the Education for All campaign in Wales

For more information contact: Rhian Keyse, Youth and Education Officer on 02920 237744, or email rhian.keyse@stonewallcymru.org.uk or 07903 263228

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