‘Preventing and Responding to Homophobic Bullying in Schools’ is a new publication by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) of ground-breaking new guidance for teachers.

The pioneering guidance, commissioned from Stonewall by the DCSF, provides school governors, heads, teachers and other staff with practical information - including lesson plans - about how to prevent and respond to homophobic bullying.

Ed Balls MP, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, said:

“Homophobic insults should be viewed as seriously as racism. Even casual use of homophobic language in schools can create an atmosphere that isolates young people and can be the forerunner of more serious forms of bullying.”

Harriet Harman MP, Secretary of State for Equality, said:

“Homophobic bullying creates an ugly climate of intimidation and makes it harder for young people to come out. Teachers and schools can tackle homophobic bullying and this guidance will help them.”

For more information see: www.teachernet.gov.uk/wholeschool/behaviour/tacklingbullying/homophobicbullying/