You have the right to be free from harassment at school

Many young same-sex attracted people report experiencing homophobic harassment and abuse at school. Students who have gay or lesbian parents or who are perceived to be gay or lesbian are also at risk of homophobic harassment.

Examples of homophobic harassment

• Verbal abuse such as name-calling, bullying or teasing
• Ignoring you or leaving you out of things on the basis of your sexuality
• Threats of physical violence or threats to out you as gay or lesbian
• Physical violence such as pushing, punching and kicking
• Stealing your belongings such as your school bag
• Damaging your property such as books, clothes or bag
• Displaying homophobic material including graffiti, posters, emails etc

Homophobic violence is wrong and is against the law

In NSW it's against the law to discriminate, harass or vilify a person in an educational setting based on their homosexuality. To discriminate means to treat someone unfairly because they belong to a particular group. This means it's against the law in government schools to be treated unfairly just because you're gay or lesbian (or thought to be gay or lesbian), or your parents, friends or other family members are gay or lesbian.

Find out more

Our Factsheet on harassment at school includes:

• Examples of homophobic harassment that may happen at school or when travelling to and from school
• The law in NSW
• Tips for dealing with harassment at school