SCHOOL children across Wiltshire will be discussing the effects of homophobic behaviour this week as part of anti-bullying week.

Seven secondary schools will watch Myth Busters, a short film which explains how it feels to be a gay young person and be subjected to homophobic language and behaviour on a daily basis.

The film is part of a campaign initiated by GoGs (Group of Gays) youth group and supported by Wiltshire Council and NHS Wiltshire. They are urging students to stop using 'gay' as a derogatory term and to show their commitment to this by signing a pledge and wearing a ZeeTee (zero tolerance) wristband, a campaign supported by Sir Ian McKellan.

Lionel Grundy, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for children services, said: "This is a powerful campaign which we hope will make a real and lasting impression on young people.”

Carolyn Stammers, assistant headteacher South Wilts School said: "One of the great things about the ZeeTee Campaign is that the message on the wristbands is ‘Promoting Difference’.

Enabling students to understand and respect all differences is a message we have always promoted, and this extra in-put has been valued by the school. Our ambassadors have thrown themselves enthusiastically into their role, encouraging students to sign the pledge and raising awareness of the message across the school."

To support Anti-bullying Week, the campaign will be visiting the Salisbury, Chippenham and Trowbridge campuses of Wiltshire College, as well as delivering morning assemblies at Wellington Academy, Ludgershall. More information about the ZeeTee Campaign, as well as the Myth Busters film can be accessed through sparskite.co.uk.