What you can do

Primary schools

Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic (HBT) bullying is widespread in primary schools. In addition, primary school children come from a variety of backgrounds and families. Celebrating different families and tackling homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying is crucial to making all children feel welcome, and enabling them to learn to accept others for who they are.

Here you can find out more about why this is important, how you can work with Stonewall, and the resources we can offer you.

Why does it matter?

Stonewall's 2014 research, The Teachers' Report, revealed that:

  • Half of primary school teachers who are aware of homophobic bullying in their schools say boys who ‘behave or act like girls’ are bullied and a third say boys who are not into sports are bullied.
  • More than one in ten say that pupils whose parents or carers are gay are bullied, and one in five say that pupils who are perceived to be lesbian, gay or bisexual are bullied.
  • Seven in ten primary school teachers hear children say phrases like ‘that’s so gay’ or ‘you’re so gay’ in school. A third of primary school teachers hear children making homophobic remarks like ‘poof’, ‘dyke’, ‘queer’ and ‘faggot’.


 Sacha, primary school pupil


Alisha, 7

It's not only about bullying. It's important that all children feel included and that they are able to talk freely about their families. Stonewall's Different Families report found that when children with lesbian, gay or bisexual family members realise that their family isn't ever mentioned in class, and other children use the word ‘gay’ to mean 'rubbish', they feel excluded and stop talking about their family.


Mark, 8

Exclusion can lead to children feeling they can't be themselves and may lead to lower aspirations and attainment out of fear of being bullied. If not addressed, this can lead to further problems and bullying at the secondary level.

Teacher training 

Our Train the Trainer courses give you the tools to tackle homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying, and gives you the confidence to train colleagues in your school to do the same. Find a course in your area and book now!

45 % of primary school teachers say that pupils at their school have experienced homophobic bullying

86 % of primary school teachers have not received any specific training on how to tackle homophobic bullying


Our primary school resources (including posters, stickers, teachers guides and book lists) give you tips and tools to tackle homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying, challenge gender stereotypes and celebrate different families in your primary school. 

Get in touch

If you have any questions or want to find out more about the work Stonewall does in primary schools, contact education@stonewall.org.uk or call 020 7593 1881