Best Practice

Tackling LGBT prejudice

How should primary schools go about tackling issues relating to homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying and language? Stonewall’s Sam Hardwick advises and signposts some of their primary resources

In Stonewall’s School Report from 2017, 86 per cent of lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) young people surveyed had heard homophobic, biphobic or transphobic language being used at school. Hearing these words in a derogatory way can have an impact young people’s confidence, wellbeing, happiness and sense of self-worth.

Research shows that 22 per cent of lesbian, gay and bisexual young people aged 11 to 18 have tried to take their own life at some point – this rises to 45 per cent of trans young people.

Recognising and celebrating differences enables pupils to appreciate diversity and better understand the impact that prejudice-based language can have. In primary schools, this can mean celebrating all different kinds of families, including adoption, same-sex parents and single parents too.

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