Guide to help head teachers deal with homophobic bullying

A new guide for secondary school principals on pupil’s sexual orientation was today described as a step forward in the education system.

Tackling homophobic bullying and providing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students with a safe and supportive environment are among the key issues dealt with in the handbook.

Latest figures show a quarter of all LGBT students have been physically threatened by other pupils.

More than half were also called abusive names, while seven out of 10 felt they could not be themselves at school.

The new guide, produced by the Department of Education and the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (Glen), will used by headteachers nationwide to create positive opportunities for these students and developing zero-tolerance policies on homophobic bullying.

Glen’s Sandra Gowran said it was a step forward for schools.

“It will benefit all second level school-goers, especially those who may be lesbian, gay or bisexual, by creating environments in schools that are more accepting of difference and diversity,” said the director of education policy.

“Our schools have always played an important role in transmitting our values as a society to all students.”

Junior education minister Sean Haughey said a number of education partners worked on the groundbreaking guide.

“It will be of very significant practical assistance to principals and schools leaders,” said Mr Haughey.

“These values include respect for diversity and acceptance and celebration of difference.”

The HSE’s national office for suicide prevention (NOSP), which explored the lives of over 1,000 LGBT people, recently found a fifth missed school because they were threatened or afraid of getting hurt.

Some 60% also said that there wasn’t a teacher or other adult in school they could talk to.

Clive Byrne, of the association of principals and deputy principals (NAPD), said the valuable resource will be welcomed wholeheartedly up and down the country.

“The NAPD is committed to supporting our members in addressing the serious issue of homophobic bullying and in providing safe and supportive schools for all students,” added Mr Byrne.