This campaign has now closed

Tackling the endemic problem of homophobic bullying in schools. Supporting teachers and pupils in addressing homophobia and homophobic bullying.

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Categories

  • Education/Training/Employment Education/​Training/​Employment
  • Health/Wellbeing Health/​Wellbeing
  • Human Rights/Advocacy Human Rights/​Advocacy
  • Beneficiaries

    • Children (3-18) Children (3-18)
    • Young People (18-30) Young People (18-30)

    Situation

    Secondary school teachers report that homophobic bullying is the most frequent form of bullying after bullying because of weight, and three times more prevalent than bullying due to religion or ethnicity. However, only one in ten teachers says they have had training to challenge homophobic behaviour. Stonewall is raising funds to produce an interactive, anti-homophobic bullying DVD to tackle the widespread problem of homophobia and homophobic bullying in schools. The DVD will be based on ‘Fit’, the original play for schools written by acclaimed playwright Rikki Beadle-Blair. ‘Fit’ is aimed at 11-14 year olds and demonstrates in an entertaining format that homophobic bullying is wrong. The storyline revolves around a group of young friends coming to terms with issues of identity, relationships, bullying and sexual orientation. ‘Fit’ was seen by almost 20,000 pupils during a schools tour in 2007/8 and feedback from pupils and teachers was exceptionally positive. ‘Fit’ engages young people and school staff directly with the issue of homophobic bullying. Many young people and teachers came to see the play with pre-conceived and often homophobic ideas. ‘Fit’ provides the opportunity to think hard about our reactions and attitudes. By the end of the play many had changed their thinking – not only understanding that using ‘gay’ as an insult is homophobic and offensive, but what it means to be a supportive friend. The interactive DVD will be a vital teaching resource and will include a comprehensive teachers’ pack to support exploration of the issues raised in Citizenship and Personal Health and Social Education (PSHE) classes. It will benefit all pupils regardless of sexual orientation and is based on the original ‘Fit’ characters, consisting of six 15-minute films as well as a ‘feature length’ version. Each short tells the story of a different character’s approach to the issue of sexual orientation; the “out” gay boy; the “closeted” gay boy; the girl embarking on a new lesbian relationship while dealing with deserting some of her straight friends; the supportive best girlfriend; the homophobic boy who can’t accept his best friend’s sexual orientation; and the boy people simply assume is gay. Special features include a video diary for each character giving further insight into their individual viewpoint and a Q&A section where pupils can click onto frequently asked questions regarding sexual orientation which the characters answer directly to camera. Producing ‘Fit’ as a DVD will ensure every school has access to information and support to tackle homophobic bullying. A complete teachers’ pack will contain full information about the DVD content, how best to use it, ideas and suggestions for involving pupils, ideas for pre- and post-viewing activities, and where to obtain further information. Unlike a play, a DVD can be sent to schools to be used again and again for subsequent classes, and lessons can be built around it. The DVD will be sent to schools across the UK to be an essential tool for teachers in helping them to address homophobia and homophobic bullying.

    Solution

    100%
    Categories

  • Education/Training/Employment Education/​Training/​Employment
  • Health/Wellbeing Health/​Wellbeing
  • Human Rights/Advocacy Human Rights/​Advocacy
  • Beneficiaries

    • Children (3-18) Children (3-18)
    • Young People (18-30) Young People (18-30)