Method : In February, 1994 a pilot study was carried out at the University of Luton focusing upon the school experiences of a sample of lesbians and gay men. Over a two week period, advertisements were placed in a weekly paper for lesbians and gay men asking for volunteers to participate in the study. The respondents (37 men and 7 women) were sent a survey pack containing an adapted version of the Olweus Bullying Questionnaire, a detailed description of the nature and purpose of the project and a pre-paid return envelope. Results : The results illustrate that respondents were bullied in various different ways (direct-physical, direct-verbal and indirect) and in various locations in and around the school as a consequence of being gay or as a consequence of being perceived to be gay by their peers. They show the level of support victims received from their parents, teachers and peers when they were being bullied. The results also show the number of respondents who reported being bullied by their teachers in the classroom, often in front of their class-mates, and what effect such experiences have had upon later development.

Conclusion : The problems faced by educators who offer support and guidance to young homosexuals are discussed and consideration is given to the various ways in which homophobia can be tackled effectively within the current school curriculum. Comparison is also made between schools offering either a competitive or co-operative ethos, and consideration is given as to whether a co-operative ethos can reduce levels of bullying and homophobia by promoting tolerance of alternative lifestyles - be they culturally, socially or sexually defined.

(Paper presented at the Second International Congress of Adolescentology Milan '94 : Adolescence and Family, Milan, Italy, November 18-19, 1994).