Homophobic bullying in British schools is ‘screwing’ gay kids’ life chances
By Will Stroude
Homophobic bullying in British schools is preventing LGBT kids from pursuing their passions and is subsequently “screwing” their future prospects, says Education and equalities minister Nicky Morgan.
Mrs Morgan told an educational conference that schools were still “plagued” with homophobic bullying, and that adolescents’ academic and career paths were being inhibited by the struggle to repress their sexuality, The Telegraph reports.
Speaking at Brighton College, Mrs Morgan said: “The tragic fact is that young people who suffer homophobic bullying often pull back from school life. Many, of course, may avoid school altogether.
“They may choose universities or colleges where they think they will be accepted.
“They tend to choose careers where they think they will be safe. One in three students say the change their educational plans because of homophobic bullying at school.
“Their life chances are completely screwed because of the fear that come with being who they are.
“We cannot underestimate the effect that homophobic bullying has on young people.”
The cabinet minster’s remarks follow the publication of a schools survey last year showing that nine in ten teachers said they were aware of homophobic bullying in the classroom.
Speaking to reporters after the speech, Richard Cairns, headmaster at Brighton College, said that where schools fail to address the topic of sexuality, pupils are less likely to pursue their interests for fear of being bullied.
“Gay teenagers are suppressing their homosexuality. Let’s say a girl loves rugby or cricket, but to avoid being singled out as a lesbian will not participate in those activities for fear of being singled out,” Mr Cairns said.
“And equally there are certain subjects at school that are seen as male and a girl might say I am not going to do physics because I am only going to be one of the two girls doing physics.
“If you have an education environment that suppresses sexuality you can really construct children’s ambitions.”
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