Schools are being urged to teach pupils about homosexuality in the fight against bullying.

The TUC said promoting all forms of equality is the best way to tackle abuse.

General Secretary Brendan Barber will deliver a speech on the issue later.

He will tell a conference in London that the education system is often part of the problem of homophobic discrimination.

"Whereas our schools and colleges have done much to counter racism and sexism, the same cannot be said when it comes to tackling homophobia," he will say.

"Despite some notable exceptions, too many educational establishments are breeding grounds for the worst kind of casual prejudice."

Mr Barber will say that a recent survey by campaign group Stonewall showed the "huge scale" of the problem, with virtually all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual pupils reporting that they had heard homophobic abuse.

Mr Barber will say that schools and colleges are not doing enough to tackle the problem.

A spokesman for the Government's Equalities Office said: "Homophobic bullying in schools is widespread and 40 per cent of lesbian, gay and bisexual adults who were harassed at school have attempted suicide.

"The Equality Bill will place a duty on schools to tackle homophobia, for example publicising a zero tolerance policy which will send a clear message to parents and pupils that anti-gay bullying is completely unacceptable."

A spokesman for the Schools Department said: "Bullying of any kind is unacceptable.

"Homophobic insults should be viewed as seriously as racism.

"We must uphold every child's basic right to learn in a safe and secure environment, free from bullying.

"Bullying of all kinds is a scourge on young people's lives and the human cost can be devastating.

"It can leave young people feeling helpless and isolated and can have a damaging effect on their learning."

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.