Homophobic bullying report launched at DCU by Sile de Valera
9 December 2004

President of DCU Ferdinand von Prondzynski with Miriam Galvin and Sile de Valera td, Minister for State at the Department of Education and Science with James Norman author of the report.

Sile de Valera, td, Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, today launched a new report on ‘A Survey of Teachers on Homophobic Bullying in Irish Second-Level Schools’ at Dublin City University. The report was written by James Norman, a researcher in the School of Education Studies at DCU, and co-authored by Miriam Galvin, and is the result of a survey carried out among 705 schools nationwide.

‘Homophobic bullying’ is used to describe abusive verbal, physical and intimidatory behaviour towards students who are either gay or lesbian, or who are merely considered to be. The term ‘homophobia ‘has been shown to be a negative consequence of gender role stereotyping.

The report examines the way in which homosexuality is perceived in second-level schools today and makes a number of recommendations for teachers, parents and students. It also looks at the manifestation of homophobic bullying and its effects in the second-level setting for both students and teachers, and not just for those who may be gay or lesbian.

James Norman, author of the report, said that he was delighted with the level of response to the questionnaire, which gave the report greater validity. “Abusive behaviour can have devastating effects on those who both experience it and witness it. Homophobic bullying sets students who are gay and lesbian apart from their peers, with the result that they can feel ostracised and set aside as ‘different’. If Irish schools are to protect all young people and promote equality in education, there is a need to engage in further research into the phenomenon of homophobic bullying in Irish Schools”, he said.

The report showed that while 98% of teachers reported that their school had a policy on behaviour and discipline and 93% said that their school had an anti-bullying policy, 90% of teachers reported that the anti-bullying policy did not include any reference to lesbian and gay-related bullying. Among the schools who had introduced an RSE programme, 63% reported that the programme did not include any reference to lesbian or gay-related issues. This increases to 75% in girls’ single-sex schools and reduces to 48% in boys’ single-sex schools.

Homophobic bullying is more likely to occur in boys’ single-sex schools (94%) and co-educational schools (82%), and least likely in girls’ single-sex schools (55%). However, co-education schools were most likely to include opportunities for discussion about gay and lesbian related issues.

There was also a significant urban/rural divide on a number of bullying-related issues, with teachers in urban areas experiencing a higher degree of homophobic bullying.

DCU President, Ferdinand von Prondzynski, said, “The university, through its School of Education Studies, supports all research that can lead to the improved welfare of students, whether at second or third level. The report makes an important contribution to the serious social issue of homophobic bullying, and is one from which we can all benefit. It is also in keeping with the university’s ethos of dignity and respect for all, and social inclusiveness for all sectors of our society”.

The report revealed that teachers identified their own inexperience in dealing with the issues as a hindrance to solving the bullying as well as the lack of any formal policy or guidelines. They also said that their desire to help in this situation was hindered by a desire to be sensitive to the victim and a fear of a possible negative reaction from parents, other staff and pupils if they are seen to act to protect the pupil who is perceived to be lesbian or gay.

“The main research finding is that the majority of teachers are aware that homophobic bullying is taking place but that they find it more difficult to deal with then other forms of bullying. This is something that needs to be addressed”, said James Norman.