Banning the word ‘gay' from the English language is not the way to address bullying in schools says the Western Bay of Plenty PPTA chairman.

Jason Smythe says if the word ‘gay' is being used in a derogatory manner, then this is a form of bullying or sexual harassment – a form of violence.

'Schools should have anti-harassment and bullying policies to address the issues raised,” says Jason.

'The challenge for schools is to ensure their policies reflect their practice.”

Warren Bowers, a primary school teacher who has done his masters degree on homosexuality in education, is on a mission to have the word ‘gay' banned in New Zealand.

'Quite often teachers just ignore it... teachers will pull kids up on using sexist language, they'll pull kids up on using racist language, but if kids use that word ‘gay' quite often, they'll just let it slide,” Warren told the Dominion Post.

Jason says The National Administration Guidelines has principles of conduct or administration for specified personnel or bodies, with one of those guidelines being each board of trustees is required to provide a safe physical and emotional environment for students.

'This includes helping make secondary schools safe and welcoming places for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex students; as well as their family/whanau members and teachers.”

Jason says the fact that this is for the board of trustees means that all members of the school community (including parents and the local communities) should be working towards achieving this.

'It's hard to say whether the word ‘gay' should be banned without reading Bowers' findings,” says Jason.

'The context it's used and the intent behind the use of the word is what is in question.

'Young people use the word and I question whether banning it will achieve much.

'It saddens me to think that there are some teachers who ignore it, as is claimed.

'However, while I don't disagree with some of the reported claims Bowers makes, it's about education – which is what teachers see every day.

'Teachers often hear words, phrases or see actions from students that make them change their lesson and address the issues that arise.

'There is also a role for parents and the wider community to play if New Zealand is to seriously address the issue of bullying.”