Fact File: Anti-Gay Bullying
(Rainbow.net, 05-12-2005)
What is homophobic bullying? Is it really such a big problem? What should people do if a child they know is getting bullied? What resources are available? Read on and find out…
What is bullying?According to one definition, bullying is the repeated intimidation of others by the real or threatened infliction of physical, verbal, written or emotional abuse, or through attacks on the property of another. It may include, but not be limited to actions such as verbal taunts, name-calling and put downs, including those based on the victim’s gender, ethnicity or other variable, and extortion of money or possessions.
Is it really such a big problem?Bullying is a big enough problem in schools that government ministers are considering ways of tackling it (see above). What may have passed for character-building victimization in the past is now being taken much more seriously, thanks in part to the testimonies of those who have been bullied. Awareness of the long-term damaging effects of bullying is much greater than it used to be, and high profile bullying cases, such as the murder of Damilola Taylor, have finally convinced the general public that bullying is a problem.
What about homophobic bullying?Homophobic bullying is a kind of bullying that is typically aimed at young people who are gay, or who are perceived to be gay. This can involve name-calling and violence.
Why does it happen?There are as many reasons for bullying as there are bullies, but it is believed that homophobic bullying has its roots in the wider social prejudice against, and fear of, homosexuality. Where anti-gay feeling is tolerated, anti-gay bullying is regarded as acceptable.
What should I do if a child I know is getting bullied?The main thing is to approach the school informally without making a drama out of the event. According to the latest Department of Education and Skills guidelines on bullying, adults should never ignore suspected bullying and resist making premature assumptions as to what is really happening, because it’s important to listen carefully to all accounts. Schools should have anti-bullying policies in place, and homophobic name-calling should be challenged by teachers. If you believe that someone you know is being bullied, it’s worth contacting the school to check that these guidelines are being used and informing them that you suspect bulling is taking place. The DfES also recommends repeated follow-ups to check that the bullying has not resumed. If the school fails to take action, there are further steps that can be taken, including keeping a diary of incidents or asking that contact between the bully and the child is monitored.
What about gay adults?Gay teachers are also vulnerable to homophobic bullying in schools, as are children of gay parents.
I want to do something about itSchools OUT are a support and campaigning organization that can put you in touch with local projects. There are many anti-bullying organizations online, the DfES website has useful anti-bullying resources, as does Stonewall.
What else should I know?According to anti-bullying.net, schools can go a long way in preventing homophobic bullying by fostering an atmosphere of respect and inclusiveness. They argue: “Schools that ignore it, or deny its existence, are not helping young people to develop a concern for the welfare of minorities and tolerance of difference.”
(Rainbow.net, 05-12-2005)
What is homophobic bullying? Is it really such a big problem? What should people do if a child they know is getting bullied? What resources are available? Read on and find out…
What is bullying?According to one definition, bullying is the repeated intimidation of others by the real or threatened infliction of physical, verbal, written or emotional abuse, or through attacks on the property of another. It may include, but not be limited to actions such as verbal taunts, name-calling and put downs, including those based on the victim’s gender, ethnicity or other variable, and extortion of money or possessions.
Is it really such a big problem?Bullying is a big enough problem in schools that government ministers are considering ways of tackling it (see above). What may have passed for character-building victimization in the past is now being taken much more seriously, thanks in part to the testimonies of those who have been bullied. Awareness of the long-term damaging effects of bullying is much greater than it used to be, and high profile bullying cases, such as the murder of Damilola Taylor, have finally convinced the general public that bullying is a problem.
What about homophobic bullying?Homophobic bullying is a kind of bullying that is typically aimed at young people who are gay, or who are perceived to be gay. This can involve name-calling and violence.
Why does it happen?There are as many reasons for bullying as there are bullies, but it is believed that homophobic bullying has its roots in the wider social prejudice against, and fear of, homosexuality. Where anti-gay feeling is tolerated, anti-gay bullying is regarded as acceptable.
What should I do if a child I know is getting bullied?The main thing is to approach the school informally without making a drama out of the event. According to the latest Department of Education and Skills guidelines on bullying, adults should never ignore suspected bullying and resist making premature assumptions as to what is really happening, because it’s important to listen carefully to all accounts. Schools should have anti-bullying policies in place, and homophobic name-calling should be challenged by teachers. If you believe that someone you know is being bullied, it’s worth contacting the school to check that these guidelines are being used and informing them that you suspect bulling is taking place. The DfES also recommends repeated follow-ups to check that the bullying has not resumed. If the school fails to take action, there are further steps that can be taken, including keeping a diary of incidents or asking that contact between the bully and the child is monitored.
What about gay adults?Gay teachers are also vulnerable to homophobic bullying in schools, as are children of gay parents.
I want to do something about itSchools OUT are a support and campaigning organization that can put you in touch with local projects. There are many anti-bullying organizations online, the DfES website has useful anti-bullying resources, as does Stonewall.
What else should I know?According to anti-bullying.net, schools can go a long way in preventing homophobic bullying by fostering an atmosphere of respect and inclusiveness. They argue: “Schools that ignore it, or deny its existence, are not helping young people to develop a concern for the welfare of minorities and tolerance of difference.”
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