I write in response to Tim Lucas’s article “Getting to the root of bullying” which referred to homophobic bullying. Why do we ignore the social and emotional needs of about 10 per cent of the school population?

The term “gay” is indeed commonly used as a term of abuse making many children feel too ashamed to share their anxieties with anyone. These pupils are struggling not only with the normal traumas of adolescence but with feelings of isolation from their peers. In addition, they may have a fear of rejection by their own parents.

Whatever union readers belong to, I would urge them to give support to the NUT’s working party to remove the inhumane section 28 legislation

Sandra Abrams
Maidstone, Kent