Calls to childline about sexual orientation, homophobia and homophobic bullying. (Published August 2006)

1. An estimated 2,725 young people call ChildLine each year to talk about sexual orientation, homophobia or homophobic bullying

2. This set of issues appears to be of particular concern for boys. Males account for 55% of the calls about these issues, even though they account for only 25% of total calls to ChildLine.

3. Some young lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people reported being triply isolated, with schools, friends and families all being unsupportive at best or overtly homophobic at worst.

4. Some young people who were homophobically bullied reported being in a catch-22 situation: by reporting the bullying to their school or parents, they would effectively out themselves. Many were not prepared to do this, often because of homophobic attitudes they had heard expressed by teachers and parents.

ChildLine is the free, 24-hour helpline for children and young people in the UK. Children and young people can call the helpline about any problem, at any time – day or night.

Childline’s counsellors will listen and help find ways to sort things out. ChildLine has experience of dealing with calls about homophobic bullying.

Helpline: 0800 1111 1000

Office: 020 7239 1000

www.childline.org.uk