Dealing with Homophobia and Homophobic Bullying in Scottish Schools: Toolkit for Teachers previewed at the Scottish Learning Festival 2008

LGBT Youth Scotland was present at the Scottish Learning Festival 2008 to offer a preview of a brand new anti-bullying equalities resource for schools, Dealing with Homophobia and Homophobic Bullying in Scottish Schools. This resource has been funded by the Scottish Government, managed by Learning and Teaching Scotland and developed by LGBT Youth Scotland.

“Using the toolkit has made young people aware that staff take homophobic bullying seriously and that they are available and willing to talk to young people about it. It gives the message that homophobic attitudes and behaviour have no place in the school.” Guidance Teacher

LGBT Youth Scotland staff presented a DVD featuring young people, teachers and youth workers discussing the issues which face LGBT young people in schools and the need for a resource to help deal with these issues. A sample of Dealing with Homophobia and Homophobic Bullying in Scottish Schools: a Toolkit for Teachers was presented to those attending the event and is available to download at the bottom of this article. The toolkit contains information on the key issues which LGBT young people experience along with a range of lesson plans and practical guidance on policy development, tackling homophobic bullying and supporting LGBT young people.

“It was great to be able to spread the word about the toolkit to such a wide range of people. Young people tell us that homophobic bullying has a really negative impact on their lives and we know that many schools are really keen to have a resource like this to help them tackle these problems. The feedback we received at the event was fantastic and we are really excited about the launch in November and working with schools in the future to use the resource.” LGBT Youth Scotland

This resource was piloted in five secondary schools earlier this year.

The toolkit resource will be launched on the 17 November during Anti-Bullying Week and will be available from the end of November. Please email info@lgbtyouth.org.uk with the subject “Schools Toolkit Information” to be kept up to date.