MP Kevin Brennan, the newly appointed Children's Minister, has vowed to stamp out homophobia in schools across the UK.

"We need to make sure that every teacher has the knowledge, skills and confidence to deal with incidents of homophobic bullying, to challenge intolerance and disrespect in whatever form it rears its ugly head." Brennan has said that teachers need to be better equipped to deal with antigay abuse, and this also meets with recent proposals for changes within schools for Citizenship sessions.

Mr. Brennan has said the new Department for Children, Schools and Families would focus on the security, well being and success of children in all aspects of their life, not just academic achievement, and that stopping bullying in all forms was a key part of that mission.

The minister has stressed that faith schools will be compelled to take action against homophobia as well as secular institutions, and he set out two approaches to tackling the problem:

"The first is effective intervention. Part of the reason for the apparent inertia and inaction is that often, teachers are unsure what to do.

"We need to make sure that every teacher has the knowledge, skills and confidence to deal with incidents of homophobic bullying. To challenge intolerance and disrespect in whatever form it rears its ugly head."

Mr. Brennan has also said that schools will be issued with new guidance, telling them to specifically address homophobic bullying in their policies.

"Schools need to have proper systems in place enabling pupils to report homophobic bullying," he said. "Even more importantly, policy and good intentions must be absolutely reflected in practice, with sanctions being firmly and consistently applied."

The minister said better pastoral care from teachers was vital, and that going beyond just having a 'zero tolerance' approach was needed:

"Children and young people are taught about the importance of equality and diversity in ways that are appropriate to their age. Helping them develop the values of respect and understanding which help shape a progressive and inclusive society. Parents too need to be involved."

www.kevinbrennan.co.uk