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Gay rights charity Stonewall has launched a new guide to help teachers challenge homophobic language in schools.

‘That’s so gay’ is used as an insult in 95% of secondary schools, according to research conducted by YouGov for Stonewall earlier this year.

80% of secondary school teachers and 40% of primary school teachers also reported hearing homophobic remarks such as ‘poof’, ‘dyke’ and ‘queer’.

Despite the high incidents of homophobic language, nine in ten teachers have never received any training on how to prevent and respond to homophobic bullying.

Stonewall’s new guide ‘Challenging Homophobic Language’ offers practical advice on challenging homophobic language. It also contains information on policy, legislation and real case study examples of how schools are already combating the problem.

“Every day in schools homophobic language undermines the confidence and self-esteem not just of young gay people but of any student deemed different,” said Stonewall Chief Executive Ben Summerskill.

“Challenging homophobic language doesn’t have to be time-consuming or difficult. Stonewall’s education guides are designed to restore confidence to teachers who, until now, have been under-equipped in creating an environment where all young people can learn free from discrimination and bullying.”

Click here to download the Challenging Homophobic Language guide (opens as .pdf file)

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