Homophobic bullying is still endemic among pupils despite increasing awareness of the issue and more resources for schools and teachers.
However, Alastair Tallon, education director, at lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) charity Stonewall, said that the progress which has been made has meant that the environment in schools is “beginning to change".
Speaking to Headteacher Update, Mr Tallon said that after bullying about weight, homophobic bullying is still the second most prevalent.
Stonewall's 2007 School Report research found that almost two-thirds of LGB young people experience homophobic bullying in UK schools, while 98 per cent hear phrases such as “you're so gay".
In 2009, its Teachers Report study found that 75 per cent of primary teachers hear similar insulting homophobic remarks while two in five hear words like “poof", “dyke" or “queer".
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