Homophobic bullying - EACH

GUIDANCE 65C. Advice for teachers and school staffSome pupils may be reluctant to stop bullyingbecause they think their stance is justified.This position can sometimes be supported byparents/carers. Schools need to be very clearthat homophobic bullying is not tolerated underany circumstances and that sanctions andconsequences apply.C5.6 Supporting those harmedby bullyingRefer to DL8, DL26, DL14 and DL15 with this sectionOne of the greatest barriers to addressinghomophobic bullying is under-reporting. Pupils mayfeel reluctant to report incidents because they thinkthat the staff member will assume that they are gay,or that they will respond negatively. In order tosafeguard all pupils, children and young peopleneed to feel confident that the school will be able tosupport them effectively.Homophobic bullying is distinct from other forms ofbullying since additional barriers exist to admitting itis occurring. If a pupil is experiencing racist bullying,they may feel able to discuss this with their parentsor carers. Whilst it is desirable for a pupil who isexperiencing homophobic bullying to confide in theirparents/carers, evidence suggests that 75% of youngpeople feel that they are unable to do so as they maybe worried that parents or carers will either find outthat they are gay, or assume that they are, even if thisis not the case (Source: Stonewall’s The SchoolReport).“I’m not gay, but always been rubbish at sports at stuff.My dad already thinks I’m lame. If he found out theother boys call me a poof, it would just prove him rightI reckon.”14 year old boy, CardiffSchools need to develop robust confidentialitypolicies that pupils understand and be able to offerhelp to pupils who are unable to access support athome. In terms of confidentiality, it is important tobear in mind that “coming out” or a disclosure aboutconsensual sexual activity, is not in itself a reason tobreach confidentiality. However, an admission ofbehaviour, which places the young person, or otheryoung people at risk of significant harm, regardlessof their sexuality, may constitute a need to breachconfidence. School confidentiality policies should bein line with local child protection protocols whichreflect the principles of Working Together (2006).A pupil who has experienced homophobic bullyingneeds to have the opportunity to state what hashappened, and have an opportunity to express howthey feel (in writing if they prefer). If they want to,a parent, carer or other adult or friend cansupport them.Pupils need to understand what is going to happenas a result of them telling a member of staff. Staffwill want to consider if they should also use theopportunity to provide further pastoral care,especially if the pupil is gay and wants to talk about it.Pupils may also be reluctant to use pupil supportsystems for example, peer mentoring systems.All those involved in anti-bullying work needto understand the sensitivities aroundhomophobic bullying.It is important to involve pupils in developing thepolicies in place relating to homophobic bullying toimprove young people’s confidence that the schoolwill deal with the bullying, and to demonstrate to allpupils that bullying of this nature will not be tolerated.C5.7 working with parents whose childhas experienced bullyingRefer to DL10 with this section DL10No parent or carer wants their child to be bullied.Any young person, whether they are gay or not,can experience homophobic bullying. It can affect