Parents and schools to tackle homophobic bullying of students

SCHOOL management, principals and parents have joined forces to help fight the war on bullying and discrimination against gay and lesbian students. Recent research funded by the National Office for Suicide Prevention found that 58% of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people went to schools where homophobic bullying took place and more than half had been called abusive names by students. Almost two-thirds said there was no teacher or other adult they could talk to at school and one-in-five missed school because they were threatened or afraid of getting hurt.

Guidelines for principals on sexual orientation issues by the Department of Education and the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) have been circulated to second-level schools.

"This guide is a major step forward for schools, it will benefit all second-level school-goers, especially those who may be lesbian, gay or bisexual, by creating environments in schools that are more accepting of difference and diversity," said GLEN director of education policy Sandra Gowran.

Minister of State at the Department of Education Sean Haughey said: "As with all bullying in schools, homophobic bullying is unacceptable and a whole-school approach is required to ensure that lesbian, gay and bisexual students are safe and supported and achieve their full educational and personal potential."

National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals director Clive Byrne said the association is committed to supporting its members in addressing the homophobic bullying and providing safe and supportive schools for all students.

Meanwhile, the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) issued guidelines for staff rooms to be inclusive of LGBT teachers. The aim is to encourage teachers to challenge the bullying if they witness it.

"Many teachers still witness, hear or are directly confronted by homophobia in schools. Although many work colleagues can be extremely supportive, there are other colleagues who will be downright hostile," said INTO general secretary John Carr.