HOMOPHOBIC BULLYING
Homophobic bullying is an effective and powerful form of abuse, and a growing cause of concern for youngsters, says research recently published by the NSPCC; and the National Union of Teachers says that even nursery children are making homophobic remarks in the playground. The Department for Education states very clearly that schools must deal with homophobic bullying, and that teachers ought to deal with issues of sexual orientation honestly and sensitively.
Libby speaks to: Dr Elizabeth Atkinson of the University of Sunderland, and Dr Max Biddulph of Nottingham University, who have both studied the issues around this in some depth, from different angles; and to teacher, David Watkins.
FISHING
Victoria Community Technology School in Crewe has been running a scheme called 'Get Hooked on Fishing' for the past two and a half years. Roughly 100 children are involved at any one time. There's been greatly improved attendance and behaviour at the school. Reporter, Judy Merry went along to meet the class.
'Get Hooked on Fishing' was founded six years ago by Mick Watson, a police constable in Durham. The scheme has now spread to schools and youth groups in Crewe, Preston, Liverpool and Birmingham, and is being formally taught in a module format.
HUMANE EDUCATION IN AFRICA
Through humane education, it is recognised that children's attitudes towards animals can be developed, and they can become more compassionate and respectful individuals. A children's book on animal welfare, The Unlikely Burden and Other Stories, has been published by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) in Africa, as part of a wider campaign to get humane education onto the curricula of several African countries, starting with Kenya. Libby is joined by their Development Director, John Callaghan; and by Dipesh Pabari, co-editor of the book.
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