School pupils produce films to tackle homophobic bullying
Pupils have produced a host of anti-homophobic films in a bid to to take on bullying in schools.
Schools across Wales are producing a series of eight short films dealing with LGBT bullying.
The films are being produced as part of a project run by the Iris Prize Festival, according to ITV News.
Among those taking part in project are pupils from Aberdare Community School, who chose to focus on bisexuality in their film.
Last month, Education Secretary Nicky Morgan unveiled £1 million of new funding to tackle anti-LGBT bullying in schools.
Mrs Morgan unveiled the funding as Stonewall reported that more than half of lesbian, gay or bisexual secondary school pupils have experienced bullying based on their sexual orientation.
The charity also reported that nine out of ten LGB students have heard homophobic language at school.
The minister unveiled £1 million of new funding, in addition to £2 million which was set aside last year to fund eight projects providing training on how to tackle anti-LGBT bullying.
“Even a single child having their time at school blighted because of bullying is a tragedy,” Mrs Morgan said.
“That’s why as both Minister for Equalities and Secretary of State for Education I am determined to do all I can to consign homophobic and transphobic bullying to the dustbin of history.
The Chief Executive of Stonewall, Ruth Hunt, welcomed the news.
“We believe teaching young people about the importance of inclusivity and acceptance is the most powerful way we can fight homophobia, biphobia and transphobia,” she said.
“This Department for Education funding is crucial to this aim because it enables us to make connections with schools and colleges in communities we haven’t worked with yet, and to help them create inclusive environments where all their pupils, no matter who they are, are accepted and encouraged to reach their potential.”
