What's happening in schools?
At school young people are surrounded by attitudes and practices that can either affirm their sexual identities or make them feel confused and even afraid. For all young people to feel valued and safe, schools have a responsibility to celebrate the diversity of sexual identities and to address sexuality-based prejudice in all its forms: sexism, transphobia, heterosexism and homophobia.
Schools will already have strategies in place to address sexism and gender harassment. Preventing and responding to heterosexism and homophobic bullying need to be part of these existing strategies.
To create an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and able to fulfill their potential requires a whole school approach. Inclusiveness will be reflected in a school's curriculum, teaching and learning, organisation and ethos, and community links and partnerships. School leaders and teachers play a vital role in creating and continually modelling a school environment that respects and celebrates diversity.
Some suggestions for action:
- Promote a positive social environment for the entire school community, including students, all staff and parents/carers. Take action such as challenging use of language such as "That's so gay" and ensuring fast removal of graffiti.
- Ensure that the anti-bullying policy takes sexuality issues into account.
- Raise awareness of what sexuality-based bullying and harassment is and how the school will respond. Ensure effective reporting systems are in place to enable students to report incidents.
- Provide professional development to ensure all staff are aware of their responsibilities in creating a safe and supportive environment and that they know how to respond appropriately to situations.
- Evaluate and make use of curriculum opportunities for students to understand and appreciate diversity.
- Access and provide resources that assist teachers and students to deal with and to understand gender-based violence and issues of sexuality
- Provide information and support for students. Make age-appropriate information about services and support available to all students.
- Seek support from external agencies with expertise in the area. Invite role models for diversity to participate in school activities.
- Celebrate achievements. Make successes known, such as updating the school
anti-bullying policy or reducing the incidence of bullying, through newsletters,
notice-boards or the school website.
For more Bullying. No way! information and resources on this topic
Deeper issues / Sexuality outlines
challenges for schools in addressing homophobia and some of the resources available.
Deeper issues / Gender outlines challenges for schools in addressing gender issues and some of the resources available.
Did you know?
In one Australian survey of gay, lesbian and bisexual young people, 70%
said that they were abused and bullied at school more than anywhere else,
including the streets. In some cases the bullying appeared to be occurring
with the knowledge of teachers and other school authorities who were reluctant
to intervene.
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