Teachers lack training to tackle homophobic bullying

10 March 2009 1 min read Ruth Smith Education

The government needs to do more to support the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) teachers, an expert has said after a major survey revealed widespread homophobic bullying in schools.

A survey by YouGov for the charity Stonewall found that nine in 10 teachers had not received training about homophobic bullying in schools.

Sue Sanders, co-chair of LGBT organisation Schools Out, said: "The Department for Children, Schools and Families has yet to deliver appropriate training for all equalities, particularly on LGBT issues. It's ironic that professionals within the criminal justice system do get this training but teachers don't."

She added: "The Department for Children, Schools and Families also needs to be much more proactive in supporting and celebrating LGBT teachers. There is nowhere near enough publicity about LGBT teachers' rights in schools."

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