Norfolk teacher calls for crackdown on homophobia in schools
New figures show a rising trend in homophobic language within schools
A teacher in Norfolk tells us more needs to be done to tackle the growing use of homophobic language in schools.
It's as a new report from LGBT+ charity 'Just Like Us' reveals 78% of primary school aged children say they're regularly hearing it used.
For secondary school pupils aged 11 to 18, this figure rose to 80%.
Mark Burns represents the NASUWT teachers' union:
"I'm surprised it's only 80 per cent; I know that the vast majority of teachers would hear some homophobic language maybe not every day, but certainly every week," he said.
"I do think the current atmosphere that social media is creating is a lot more extremism and magnifying a lot more discriminatory behaviour on pretty much every front."
A series of resources for primary and secondary schools have been made available by Just Like Us to help teachers tackle the use of homophobic language.
Laura Mackay, chief executive of Just Like Us, believes the experiences young people have shared in the charity's survey highlights "the urgent need for education and open dialogue about the impact of homophobic language.
Homophobia should not be 'just a joke'
“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," she said.
"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.
“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.”
"It's heartbreaking"
Matt, an LGBT+ parent, has heard his children talk about hearing homophobic language at school and is trying to educate them on the effect this can have.
“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," he said.
"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."
But as well as education, Mr Burns feels school leaders can do more.
"It has to start at the very top of the school organisation, there has to be leadership that says this type of inappropriate use of words is not acceptable in any way, shape or form," he said.
"Education by schools can really help by having safe spaces for LGBT plus people and students to come out and be their true selves, that can help those young people."
We've asked the Department for Education for comment.