The BBC is reporting that Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) pupils are still experiencing high rates of bullying in schools, according to campaigners.
LGBT Youth Scotland said its study went on to show transgender youngsters have a particularly difficult time at school and face even higher levels of bullying than their LGB peers.
The organisation has teamed up with the Time for Inclusive Education campaign to highlight the issue and demand further action. It coincides with anti-bullying week.
The charity said there was good work being carried out, but demanded more guidance and resources for teachers, as well as improved regulation and inspection of schools over the bullying of LGBT pupils.
Fergus McMillan, the LGBT Youth Scotland’s chief executive, said: “We want to see an education where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people report feeling included in their school, have their lives reflected in the curriculum and are free from homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.
“We, therefore, support the principles of the Time for Inclusive Education campaign and call on school leadership and policymakers at all levels to focus on fully implementing the Equality Act (2010) to eliminate discrimination and promote equality of opportunity for all.”
Is homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying a problem at your school? Are pupils willing to come forward about being bullied? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or on Twitter. ~ Sophie
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