Northants teacher concerned over online content, as research says most have heard homophobic language
78% of primary school children and 80% of secondary age students hear homophobic language, suggesting worrying TikTok trend
Last updated 21st Oct 2024
A Northamptonshire teacher says content unsuitable for children is often just a few clicks away, as new research says 78% of primary school children hear homophobic language, suggesting worrying TikTok trend.
It's according to new research from Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people’s charity, in conjunction with VotesforSchools.
31,875 young people across the UK took part in the survey in June 2024, including 4,307 primary school pupils aged 9 to 11 who responded to the question: “Have you heard people being homophobic?"
A vast majority (78%) responded that they had heard homophobic language, while for secondary school pupils aged 11 to 18, this figure increased to 80%.
Dan Smith is the IT Champion at the Nene Education Trust. He says conversations from the online world often effect children within schools.
He says a lot of content they're accessing isn't suitable.
"You are seemingly just a few clicks away from content you wouldn't want your child to see"
As well as having discussions in school about misogynistic stories students have read about online, Dan says often children are mature enough to make decisions about whose opinion is worthwhile, and who
"As an adult you can question peoples behaviour, and at 9 and 10 they don't have that. Footballers have historically made homophobic statements that have damaged them later in their careers. For children who may see those players as god-like figures, they may not question if that language is right or wrong."
In response to this serious rise in homophobic language, Just Like Us has launched a series of primary and secondary school resources are available to download for free for teachers to address and tackle the problem.
Laura Mackay, Chief Executive of Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people’s charity said: “It is deeply concerning to learn that 78% of primary school children across the UK have heard homophobic language. The experiences shared by young people in our survey highlight the urgent need for education and open dialogue about the impact of homophobic language.
“Homophobic language should never be dismissed as ‘just a joke’ because we know it has real-life consequences, impacting the self-esteem and feelings of shame among LGBT+ young people and those from same-sex families.. We are worried about young people reporting a rise in games aimed at children on TikTok where gay is being used as a derogatory insult.
“To tackle this issue directly, we’re proud to have launched a series of new, free resources for primary and secondary schools that address the issue of rising homophobic language. We believe that education is vital for fostering understanding and acceptance, and by empowering teachers with the knowledge and confidence to lead discussions around diversity, we can help all young people become allies and advocates for change.”
Matt, an LGBT+ parent, said: “Our children have told us about hearing homophobic language at school, and it's been a challenging experience for them. We've made sure to have clear conversations with them about what LGBT-phobic language means, why it's hurtful, and what you can and can't say. We've also shared what life was like for us growing up, and unfortunately, our kids have witnessed people saying homophobic things to their dads in public. It's heartbreaking to know that this is part of their reality, but we also feel it's not our family's issue — it's society's issue.
“In our home, we focus on love, acceptance, and understanding, and our kids know they can be whoever they want to be. This openness and appreciation for the diversity in the world around them is something we're proud of. However, it's upsetting that even in 2024, homophobic language is still a problem.”
Mia, a Just Like Us young adult ambassador, said: “It goes without saying that the derogatory use of LGBT+ terms directly harms the mental health of individuals who might be coming to terms with, or questioning, their sexuality or gender identity. As a consequence of the homophobic re-appropriation of the terms ‘gay’ and ‘queer’ that I heard growing up, the process of accepting my lesbian identity was emotionally painful and prolonged.
“Hearing queerness be falsely associated with embarrassment and humiliation, at the expense of juvenile laughter and mockery, haunted me in late adolescence, encouraging doubt, shame and self-hatred to fester inside of me when all I wanted to find was my place in the world and the identity label that felt like home.”