This review has two key purposes: 1. increase understanding of the nature, scale and impact of homophobic bullying in educational institutions; 2. identify effective and appropriate action, based upon documented good practice. The review was designed to provide background information for the participants in the first global UN consultation on the issue of homophobic bullying in educational institutions, which was organized by UNESCO in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in December 2011. The document is structured as follows: introduction; understanding homophobic bullying; good practice: responding to homophobic bullying. The review explores good practice in addressing homophobic bullying in educational institutions in terms of interventions in the following key areas: policies; curriculum and materials; staff training and support; support services for learners; community involvement.