New research commissioned by the National Union Teachers has found that 85% of teachers hear homophobic abuse in schools every week, adding to rising fears about homophobia in UK schools.

The research, which focussed on five secondary schools in the Oldham area, also found that over half of the teachers surveyed, had actually been the target of the homophobic abuse.

Tony Harrison, from the Oldham branch of the NUT told the Manchester Evening News: “Homophobia is a destructive force and damages young people because of their sexuality or perceived sexuality.”

Research highlights that homophobic bullying is connected to lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils underachieving academically; 72% of LGB adults reported regular absenteeism at school to escape harassment, and LGB pupils are more likely to leave school at 16.

The NUT research in Oldham, echoes the findings of a recent survey in neighbouring Manchester. Manchester’s Exceeding Expectations initiative – a support package that goes into schools to help tackle homophobic bullying has surveyed nearly 2000 secondary school pupils, and found that 47% felt that their school was not a welcoming or safe place for LGB pupils.

Under the Government’s ‘Every Child Matters’ guidelines, all children, regardless of sexual orientation or race, should be safe, healthy and able to enjoy and achieve in all aspects of their life.

The issue of homophobia in schools is a nationwide problem. Last year, Stonewall’s School Report found that nearly two thirds of LGB pupils experienced “direct bullying” in schools.

Ed Balls Secretary of State for Children, Schools, and Families told the Labour Conference in September: “we have acted” on bullying of every kind in school, “and we have published our first ever guidance to help schools tackle homophobic bullying.”

Councillor Paul Fairweather, lead member on gay men’s issues at Manchester City Council commented: “This piece of research yet again shows the need to ensure all teachers are effectively trained to deal with incidents of homophobic abuse and bullying. Until teachers feel that they have the confidence and skills needed to challenge homophobia, many young people will continue to be subjected to harassment and bullying.”

The NUT are planning to role the survey out across all North West Schools.

Taken from Issue 966 of the Pink Paper, Thursday November 27 2008.