A recent study reveals that homophobic language is widespread among young children, with three-quarters of nine- to 11-year-olds reporting they’ve heard it.
The research, conducted by the charity Just Like Us, surveyed over 31,000 pupils across the UK, including 4,307 primary school children. A significant 78% of primary pupils and 80% of secondary pupils said they had encountered homophobic slurs.
Some children pointed to TikTok as a key source of this language, with the word “gay” often used as an insult. Many admitted they were repeating what they’d heard on social media, unaware of its harmful meaning. TikTok states that it bans content that promotes hate based on sexual orientation or identity. Despite this, trends like “English or Spanish?”, where participants are insulted if they move, have gained millions of likes.
Parents are growing concerned. Charlie, a parent from Hertfordshire, has had conversations with her sons about the issue, emphasising why using “gay” as an insult is hurtful. Her 11-year-old son Reggie also highlighted how classmates mock others for their preferences, such as boys liking pink. Similarly, LGBTQ+ parent Matt shared how his nine-year-old son Jacob became uncomfortable when friends used “gay” in a TikTok game.
Laura Mackay, CEO of Just Like Us, stressed that homophobic language isn’t “just a joke” and can have damaging consequences for LGBTQ+ youth and children from same-sex families. She expressed concern over the increasing influence of social media trends that use “gay” as a derogatory term.
TikTok, partnering with organisations like GLAAD and Stonewall, claims to have removed 88% of hate speech content before it was reported between April and June 2024
