Schools have a responsibility to prevent all forms of bullying, including that related to sexual orientation. However, to date relatively little is known about how schools are successfully tackling homophobia and homophobic bullying. The aim of this study therefore was to generate new knowledge about how three secondary schools in South London, England, were engaging with and addressing homophobia. A coeducational, a boys’ and a girls’ school were selected — each having conducted work to counter homophobic bullying. In each school, individual interviews were conducted with three members of staff and group interviews were conducted with pupils drawn from two Year groups (from Year 9, 10 or 11). Information was also drawn from the schools’ latest Ofsted report. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and data analysed thematically by way of successive approximation. Work on homophobia and homophobic bullying was said by staff to be part of the commitment by schools to counter bullying in all its forms, to extend equal opportunities and to promote an inclusive whole school ethos. This they did through policy development, continuing professional development and, in particular, through Personal Social and Health Education and Citizenship. However, more needed to be done in each school to ensure that all staff were competent to address homophobia. Pupils stated that they were keen that homophobic bullying should be tackled in their school — although some noted that they would find it difficult, themselves, to take an anti-homophobic stance. Pupils stated that work carried out in schools had some influence on them — although as important was personal contact with lesbians and gay men and the media. Findings are discussed in relation to the utilisation of national policies and programmes, school improvement through preventing homophobia, extending Sex and Relationship Education, and teaching about same-sex sexuality as a noncontroversial issue. Implications for my own professional practice are outlined.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Safer Internet Day, which has become a worldwide event. This year the Irish Safer Internet Centre is calling on everyone to play their part in “Building Respect and Empathy Online”. There are many ways to get involved and raise awareness in the classroom or at home. Take part in the Safer Internet Day campaign on social media using the hashtags #SaferInternetDay and #SID2023.
DCU’s Anti-bullying Centre carried out a survey of teenagers recently on behalf of the Irish Internet Safety Awareness Centre. The survey focused on the behaviour of bystanders and revealed that:
- 45.3% witnessed some kind of mistreatment online recently, with most of the mistreatment happening at the hands of strangers.
- Among those who reported witnessing online mistreatment, 31.3% said a stranger started it and 25% said other strangers joined in.
- Of those surveyed, 22.9% of participants who witnessed online mistreatment had used at least one kind of privacy or reporting tool to help others.
Irish Safer Internet Centre Representatives said: “We are delighted to be back celebrating Safer Internet Day with an in-person event this year. Hosted by young people, today’s event welcomes, children, young people and supporters to discuss all things about/regarding online safety and in particular some of the key findings of the survey. The theme of the event is ‘building respect and empathy online’ which is more important now than ever. Our aim from today to develop better strategies and partnerships on education, awareness prevention, reporting, resolution, and effecting behavioural change.