Homophobic and transphobic bullying is an every day reality in the lives of many schoolchildren, according to the Commissioner for Human Rights.
Thomas Hammarberg wants schools to ensure they are not helping the bullies, “especially in view of several national studies and reports warning that there have been a number of suicides among young lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons feeling rejected by their peers and families.”
He adds: “A study in the United Kingdom showed that nine in ten secondary school teachers had witnessed children being subjected to homophobic bullying in their schools.
“Among primary school teachers two in five had made similar observations regarding children at this very early stage.
“Policy makers and school management need to give strong support to teachers in order for them to have the means and resources to create a healthy and inclusive environment in schools and classrooms.”
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