Charity launches resources to tackle homophobic language in schools

Almost 80 per cent of primary school children across the UK hear homophobic language, according to new research from charity Just Like Us in conjunction with VotesforSchools. 

In a survey of 31,875 pupils across the UK, including 4,307 primary school pupils aged nine to 11, the results showed homophobic language is rife among young children.

The majority of students responded by saying that they had heard homophobic language, while for secondary school pupils aged 11 to 18, this figure increased to 80 per cent. 

The research showed that other contributing factors included gender stereotypes and social media. 

Some primary age children reported that the homophobic language they heard was intended as a “joke” and many cited TikTok as the place they have heard gay used as a derogatory insult.

Laura Mackay, chief executive of Just Like Us, said the findings were "deeply concerning". 

“Homophobic language should never be dismissed as ‘just a joke’ because we know it has  real-life consequences, impacting the self-esteem and feelings of shame among LGBT+ young people and those from same-sex families.. We are worried about young people reporting a rise in games aimed at children on TikTok where gay is being used as a derogatory insult.

In response to the issue, Just Like Us has launched a series of primary and secondary school resources on homophobic language. 

They are available to download for free for teachers to address and tackle the problem.