The question of whether gay pupils are being bullied in island schools is being investigated.
The Manx Rainbow Association is undertaking an online survey to find out the level of homophobic bullying in schools and to determine what, if anything, is being done by the schools to prevent it.
We would urge all schools on the island to look into their policy regarding homophobic bullying
Caroline Brand, chair of the Manx Rainbow Association
Accounts of bullying suffered by members of the Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender Youth Group prompted the association to look into the problem.
Island schools don’t keep figures on the issue. In the UK they do.
‘The effects of using derogatory language have been proven to have a direct impact on mental health, self-confidence and academic potential and can stay with the person for decades, truly disrupting their lives. ‘This is not acceptable. From speaking with young members of our LGBT community it is common and many of them feel let down and that they are not supported.
‘The Manx Rainbow Association would like to see this tackled head on and from the top. The results of the survey will be made public and we would urge all schools on the island to look into their policy regarding homophobic bullying, to actively engage with their LGBT students and most importantly send out a message that it is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
‘Teachers are our most powerful tool in the fight against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. The government needs to ensure that all new teachers are trained on tackling all types of bullying as part of their initial teacher training.
‘School heads need to lead from the front and visibly demonstrate their commitment to tackling bullying based on sexual orientation and gender identity and every member of school staff, teaching or not, needs to be proactive in challenging bullying and prejudice wherever it occurs.’
Source: IOM Today
