By Lucy Caulkett-
A new report shows that young people are now less likely to be bullied because of their sexual orientation than 10 years ago, though it adds that many youngsters are still at risk.
Over the last decade, the proportion facing bullying in Britain’s secondary schools and colleges has dropped by almost a third, the latest Stonewall School Report.
Schools are also more likely to condemn homophobic bullting, and children are more likely to be taught about LGBT issues in the classroom, the report adds.
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However, concerns remain about the proportion of youngsters who are still victims of bullying, and the impact this has on them. Many LGBT youngsters admit to self-harming, and have admitted attempting taking their own life.
The stonewall report also says that while the findings showed an improvement for young people in many ways, there is still much more to do. The report shows that
According to the report, 45% of the 3,700 LGBT youngsters polled they have been bullied because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, compared with 55% of LGB who said they were bullied because of their sexual orientation in 2012 and 65% in 2007.
Homophobic language is still widespread, with 52% saying they hear remarks such as “faggot” or “lezza” frequently, or often, in school, although this has also dropped from 68% in 2012 and 71% in 2007.
Over two thirds (68%) of those questioned confirmed that their school condemn homophobic and biphobic bullying as wrong conduct. The figure shows an increase from 50% in 2012 and 25% 10 years ago. Around two fifths (40%) claimed they had never been taught about LGBT issues, down from 53% five years ago and 70% in 2007.
The report says poor mental health among LGBT pupils is still “alarmingly high”, with 84% of those who identify as trans saying they have self-harmed, along with 61% of lesbian, gay and bi students.
More than two in five trans young people (45%) claimed to have attempted to take their own life, while just over one in five (22%) of lesbian, gay and bi students who are not trans have done the same.
Stonewall chief executive Ruth Hunt said: “Our school years are one of the most formative periods of our lives, and we owe it to young LGBT people to ensure they don’t face discrimination or bullying because of who they are, but are supported to flourish and achieve.
“While our new School Report shows an improved experience for pupils in many ways, it also needs to act as a wake-up call for schools, government and politicians on just how far we still have to go. Almost half of LGBT young people are still bullied at school for being LGBT, and only one in five LGBT pupils have learned about safe sex in relation to same-sex relationships. This must be urgently addressed.”
With bullying a common feature in Uk schools contributing to high drop out rates, homophobic bullying contributes to poor performance by victims of bullying, but news that this sort of bullying has dropped is welcoming news. School children need to focus on their academics rather than belittling others. Children who bully others lack enough care for their feelings and emotional well being, so the stand taking by schools is a positive one.