Key Research
Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
Key Takeaways:
- Young people who are part of the LBGTQ community are bullied, both in person and online, at a much higher rate than others their age.
- Young men and Trans youth are bullied at a higher rate than others in this group.
- Training and education are needed across entire entire school communities to grow empathy, lessen bullying in all its forms, and make LBGTQ student feel more welcome and comfortable.
LiveMore ScreenLess’ Summary
The LGBTQ community comprises approximately 4.5% of the US population, but is disproportionately targeted for hate and violence. In 2018, 23.3% of all hate crimes reported were against members of the LGBTQ community, with an alarming 34% increase in anti-trans violence from 2017.
According to a 2017 report by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) 70.1% of LGBTQ students were verbally harassed at school and 28.3% were physically harassed. Sexual minority boys appear to be bullied more frequently than sexual minority girls.
While there are many resources online for the LBGTQ community, cyberbullying also occurs. For instance, the aforementioned GLSEN study found that almost half (48.7%) of LGBTQ students were bullied online.
In 2019, another sample of 4,500 students found 87% of LGBTQ students had been bullied at school and 52% had been bullied online. It is clear from our research over the years that LGBTQ students experience more bullying and cyberbullying than non-LGBTQ students.
Training that sensitizes and educates the entire school community (including parents) is needed to preempt problems for these students. Education specifically focused on promoting empathy has been linked to lower homophobic bullying behavior by students.
It is well known that having a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) formally set up on campus can lead to less victimization and a greater sense of belonging at school.
Hinduja, S. & Patchin, J. W. (2020). Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity. Cyberbullying Research Center (cyberbullying.org).
Topics: Cyberbullying , Identity , Psychological Wellbeing , Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity
Year: 2020
