Menu
12/04/2010
Tories 'Tackle Homophobic Bullies'
Senior Conservative George Osborne has announced new plans to do more to address the problem of homophobic bullying in UK schools.
He said a key part of tackling homophobic bullying is to give teachers and heads the power to keep order and set clear standards of behaviour in their schools.
"Under Labour, homophobic bullies excluded from schools can be returned to the classroom by a bureaucratic appeals panel, and teachers are often unable to break up violent homophobic bullying because of ‘no touch’ policies that prevent them from intervening," Mr Osborne said.
"The Conservatives will give headteachers the final say over the exclusion of homophobic bullies and give teachers the power to stop violent homophobic incidents."
The Shadow Cabinet members said his party would also change government guidance on behaviour and exclusions to make it clear that bullying aggravated by prejudice – including homophobic bullying should result in tougher punishments.
Under the current rules, a pupil expelled for homophobic bullying could be returned to their school on appeal by an appeals panel.
Mr Osborne noted this as something that would obviously be extremely upsetting to their victims.
"By scrapping appeals panels, we will ensure that the final say over exclusion rests with the heads and governors of a school and their authority cannot be undermined," he said.
Teachers are often unable to break up violent homophobic bullying because of the lack of clarity over use of force.
One study showed that half of all schools now have some kind of ‘no touch’ policy which prevents teachers intervening.
Mr Osborne said a Tory Government would change the law to give teachers "absolute clarity over use of reasonable force" to prevent violence, and to allow teachers to search for all potentially disruptive items that could be used to bully pupils.
"We would change government guidance to schools on behaviour and exclusions to make it clear that non-violent bullying aggravated by prejudice like homophobia should result in tougher punishments than other forms of persistently disruptive behaviour."
He said this would include homophobic bullying, as well as bullying on the basis of gender, race or disability.
"And we believe that all forms of violent bullying should continue to lead to some form of exclusion."
Mr Osborne added: "We would include a new category in exclusions data specifically for 'homophobic abuse'."
Sexual misconduct and racial abuse are already included in the Government's current statistics.
(PR/BMCC)
He said a key part of tackling homophobic bullying is to give teachers and heads the power to keep order and set clear standards of behaviour in their schools.
"Under Labour, homophobic bullies excluded from schools can be returned to the classroom by a bureaucratic appeals panel, and teachers are often unable to break up violent homophobic bullying because of ‘no touch’ policies that prevent them from intervening," Mr Osborne said.
"The Conservatives will give headteachers the final say over the exclusion of homophobic bullies and give teachers the power to stop violent homophobic incidents."
The Shadow Cabinet members said his party would also change government guidance on behaviour and exclusions to make it clear that bullying aggravated by prejudice – including homophobic bullying should result in tougher punishments.
Under the current rules, a pupil expelled for homophobic bullying could be returned to their school on appeal by an appeals panel.
Mr Osborne noted this as something that would obviously be extremely upsetting to their victims.
"By scrapping appeals panels, we will ensure that the final say over exclusion rests with the heads and governors of a school and their authority cannot be undermined," he said.
Teachers are often unable to break up violent homophobic bullying because of the lack of clarity over use of force.
One study showed that half of all schools now have some kind of ‘no touch’ policy which prevents teachers intervening.
Mr Osborne said a Tory Government would change the law to give teachers "absolute clarity over use of reasonable force" to prevent violence, and to allow teachers to search for all potentially disruptive items that could be used to bully pupils.
"We would change government guidance to schools on behaviour and exclusions to make it clear that non-violent bullying aggravated by prejudice like homophobia should result in tougher punishments than other forms of persistently disruptive behaviour."
He said this would include homophobic bullying, as well as bullying on the basis of gender, race or disability.
"And we believe that all forms of violent bullying should continue to lead to some form of exclusion."
Mr Osborne added: "We would include a new category in exclusions data specifically for 'homophobic abuse'."
Sexual misconduct and racial abuse are already included in the Government's current statistics.
(PR/BMCC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 June 2007
Gay bullying 'endemic' in British schools
Almost two thirds of homosexual pupils in Britain's schools have been victims of homophobic bullying, a survey has claimed.
Gay bullying 'endemic' in British schools
Almost two thirds of homosexual pupils in Britain's schools have been victims of homophobic bullying, a survey has claimed.
15 July 2004
National anti-bully network in place for new school year
Anti-bullying experts will be based in every region of the country to help deal with school bullies, under plans announced today. Schools, local education authorities and parents will have access to practical help, advice and support in tackling all forms of bullying in schools through the new national Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA).
National anti-bully network in place for new school year
Anti-bullying experts will be based in every region of the country to help deal with school bullies, under plans announced today. Schools, local education authorities and parents will have access to practical help, advice and support in tackling all forms of bullying in schools through the new national Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA).
22 November 2004
BBC radio to spearhead Anti-Bullying Week message
BBC Radio One is set to spearhead a joint campaign designed to tackle bullying in schools this week. The first ever Anti-Bullying Week brings together government departments, Radio One and the Anti-Bullying Alliance to show young people that they are not alone if they are being bullied and that help is available.
BBC radio to spearhead Anti-Bullying Week message
BBC Radio One is set to spearhead a joint campaign designed to tackle bullying in schools this week. The first ever Anti-Bullying Week brings together government departments, Radio One and the Anti-Bullying Alliance to show young people that they are not alone if they are being bullied and that help is available.
19 November 2003
'Make the Difference' against bullies, communities urged
Schools, charities, parents and young people have been urged to 'Make the Difference' and join together to tackle bullying and intimidation in schools. The 'Make the Difference' campaign brings together heads and school staff, pupils, local education authorities and voluntary organisations to support schools in developing communities.
'Make the Difference' against bullies, communities urged
Schools, charities, parents and young people have been urged to 'Make the Difference' and join together to tackle bullying and intimidation in schools. The 'Make the Difference' campaign brings together heads and school staff, pupils, local education authorities and voluntary organisations to support schools in developing communities.
29 August 2006
Childline reports increase in bullying
Children's charity Childline has reported an increase in the number of children seeking advice about bullying. The NSPCC's free 24-hour helpline said that the number of children contacting them regarding bullying had increased by 12% over the past year - an extra 84 children per week.
Childline reports increase in bullying
Children's charity Childline has reported an increase in the number of children seeking advice about bullying. The NSPCC's free 24-hour helpline said that the number of children contacting them regarding bullying had increased by 12% over the past year - an extra 84 children per week.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
