Gay pupils 'receive death threats'

Last Modified: 26 Jun 2007
Source: ITN

Around 150,000 gay pupils have been targeted by school bullies with some even receiving death threats, a survey has found.

Equality organisation Stonewall said two-thirds of lesbian and gay pupils have experienced homophobic bullying, ranging from verbal abuse to violence with some pupils claiming that their teachers even joined in with the abuse.

The study of 1,145 gay, lesbian and bisexual young people found that 41 per cent had experienced physical abuse, 17 per cent had received death threats and 12 per cent had been sexually assaulted.

And the study claimed around 50 per cent of teachers failed to intervene when children used homophobic language like "dyke" or "queer".

Stonewall chief executive Ben Summerskill said the figures suggested about 156,000 pupils had suffered homophobic bullying in Britain's schools.

He continued: "These deeply disturbing figures should serve as a wake-up call to everyone working in education. This is a damning legacy of Section 28, which deterred schools from tackling anti-gay bullying for so long."

Mr Summerskill added: "This remains one of the few sorts of bullying about which too many schools still take no action. It blights the lives not just of gay children but of thousands of pupils perceived to be lesbian or gay too."

Almost all the pupils surveyed said they heard derogatory phrases in school, such as "poof", or "that's so gay", the report said.

Stonewall said three-quarters of gay pupils in faith schools were bullied over their sexuality while around 70 per cent of victims said homophobic bullying affected their school work.

A Department for Education spokesman said: "All forms of bullying are unacceptable. We are pleased that Stonewall have highlighted this important issue and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.

"It is important that pupils tell someone when they are being bullied and that teachers take firm action. That is why we have given new powers to teachers to ensure they can do so. No pupil should suffer the torment of bullying."

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