YouGov poll shows homophobic bullying in the classroom still a big problem
A new poll has revealed that teachers are still failing to tackle homophobic bullying in Scotland’s schools.
The Teachers’ Report 2014 – published by Stonewall Scotland - reveals that nine in ten primary school staff (89 per cent) and more than four in five secondary school staff (83 per cent) have not received any specific training on now to deal with the problem.
Despite almost 15 years having passed since the repeal of Section 28 in Scotland, 75 per cent of primary and 44 per cent of secondary school staff say they either aren’t allowed to, or aren’t sure if they are allowed to teach about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues.
Our new research shows that 15 years since the repeal of Section 28 in Scotland, it still casts a shadow over our schools
The polling – conducted by YouGov - also revealed that a third of primary school staff in Scotland (32 per cent) and a third of secondary school staff (31 per cent) have heard homophobic language or negative remarks about lesbian, gay and bisexual people from other school staff.
The Teachers’ Report also reveals that an overwhelming majority of teachers across both secondary and primary schools believe school staff have a duty to prevent and respond to homophobic bullying.
Stonewall Scotland director Colin Macfarlane said: “Teachers are the most powerful tool that we have in the fight to tackle homophobic bullying. Sadly, our new research shows that 15 years since the repeal of Section 28 in Scotland, it still casts a shadow over our schools.
“It is troubling that so many teachers report that they have never received any specific training on how to tackle homophobic bullying.
“That’s why this year Stonewall Scotland launched a Train the Trainer programme which means we can work directly with teachers across Scotland. However, the responsibility cannot be ours alone.
“The Scottish Government, local authorities, schools and other agencies must now make it a priority that every single teacher is trained to tackle all types of bullying and abuse in our schools.”
