Bullying among LGBTQ Youth

LGBTQ youth are at higher risk of being bullied compared to non-LGBTQ youth

Helena Habtemariam

A recent study dissects the severity of bullying and illustrates just how prevalent bullying is among LGBTQ youth. 

Using data from the National Violent Death Reporting System, researchers categorized decedents coded as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, or same-sex partnered as LGBTQ, as sexual orientation and transgender status were added to this database in 2015. In order to determine if decedents were bullied, researchers classified deaths as associated with bullying if the decedent reported being bullied, witnesses reported the decedent was bullied, or investigators discovered bullying (ex. text messages).

Among LGBTQ-classified decedents, 20.7% were classified as being bullied (Clark, Cochran, Maiolatesi, & Pachankis, 2020). On the other hand, they found that only 4.4% of non-LGBTQ-classified decedents were classified as being bullied; the disparity between the two groups is significant. In fact, this study also determined that LGBTQ-classified decedents were 4.92 times as likely to be bullied compared to non-LGBTQ-classified decedents. Furthermore, they reported that approximately 68% of LGBTQ-classified decedents aged 10-13 years were classified as being bullied, putting this age group at highest risk. 

This study has shed light on the seriousness of bullying, especially among LGBTQ youth. There is a need for more support for our LGBTQ youth, such as comprehensive anti-bullying policies, supportive teachers and staff, and a more representative sexual education in schools. 

For more information, please visit the American Psychological Association’s Safe and Supportive Schools Project, which provides numerous resources and tools that promote a safer environment for LGBTQ youth.

https://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/programs/safe-supportive/bullying/resources

References

Clark, K. A., Cochran, S. D., Maiolatesi, A. J., & Pachankis, J. E. (2020). Prevalence of Bullying Among Youth Classified as LGBTQ Who Died by Suicide as Reported in the National Violent Death Reporting System, 2003-2017. JAMA Pediatrics. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.0940