Free anti-LGBT+ bullying teacher training launched after research shows ‘fresh wave’ of homophobic language

Free online teacher training courses on anti-LGBT+ bullying have been launched by charity Just Like Us, following research showing harrowing levels of homophobic language among school pupils.

Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people’s charity, has launched the two new, CPD-accredited teacher training courses online to equip teachers with the tools they need to recognise and prevent anti-LGBT+ bullying in primary and secondary schools.

The charity’s recent research with VotesforSchools found that 78% of primary school pupils and 80% of secondary school pupils have heard homophobic language. Just Like Us’ research report Growing up LGBT+ also found that 43% of LGBT+ school pupils are bullied, compared to 21% of their straight peers.

Teacher training for primary school staff explores the experiences of LGBT+ young people, children with LGBT+ parents, LGBT+ parents themselves, and children who are subject to anti-LGBT+ bullying, and helps teachers create a plan to apply in their own school setting.

For secondary school staff, the training draw from the experiences of young people growing up LGBT+, discusses approaches for tackling and preventing anti-LGBT+ bullying, and helps staff to start to create a plan to apply available tools.

One of the LGBT+ young people Just Like Us works with said: When I was growing up, there was a lot of ‘gay’ being used as an insult and there was a lot of negativity towards the LGBT+ acronym, making fun of it. There was always a lot of: ‘Being gay is a choice, it’s a lifestyle.’ This really impacted me, quite badly. I think it’s really important for everyone to know that when homophobia and transphobia goes unchallenged, it sets a very negative culture and tone where it kind of seems as if this language is acceptable.

Laura Mackay, Chief Executive of Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people’s charity, said: ‘Anti-LGBT+ bullying is a common reality still, in many schools right across the UK, and we’re currently seeing a fresh wave of homophobic language, even in primary schools. It’s time teachers had the free training and tools to identify and tackle this confidently, so we’re really proud to launch these two new courses completely free. Whether you are preparing for their first job in teaching or have had a long career in education, we want you to feel equipped to lead the change in your school community. Teachers have the power to create safer, more inclusive spaces where every child can be themselves without fear. As a former teacher, I wish that my colleagues and I had had access to such a clear, concise and practical course on tackling anti-LGBT+ bullying. This training is not just about policies and practices; it’s about making sure no young person feels alone, isolated, or bullied for who they are.’