Young LGBT people are every day experiencing bullying – both from their peers and their teachers. Research recently launched shows that over 70 per cent felt that they couldn’t be themselves at school. Many schools do not even address issues about sexual orientation.
“I left school because of the hurt and suffering I got in school, and the teachers didn’t care, as I think it was a case of “well they call him gay and he probably is gay, so why should we step in?” – gay, male, 23.
Homophobic and transphobic bullying pose a serious physical and mental health threat to young people.
1110 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people participated in this research carried out by GLEN (Gay and Lesbian Equality Network).
Threatened and afraid
Results of the research:
- 58 % reported the existence of homophobic bullying in their schools
- Over 50 % had been called abusive names by fellow students
- 34 % reported homophobic comments by teachers and other staff members
- 25 % had been threatened by peers
- 40 % had been verbally threatened by fellow students because they were or were thought to be LGBT
- 72 % felt that they couldn’t be themselves at school
- 20 % admitted to missing school because they felt threatened or were afraid of getting hurt at school
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2SteI_0b2A
Suicidal behaviour
There is a direct link between homophobic bullying and suicidal behaviour amongst young LGBT people. Those who experience homophobic bullying may be more likely to attempt suicide.
Research has found that the most common age for a young person to discover their sexual orientation or gender identity for themselves is 12 years of age, and the most common age to start “coming out to others” is 17 years of age. This 5 years gap coincides with puberty, school and a critical period of social, emotional and vocational development.
Research among asked teachers found that:
- The majority of teachers hear and witness homophobic name-calling and bullying
- A sizeable proportion of teachers are aware of physical homophobic bullying
- Most teachers wants to do something to address homophobic bullying
- Many teachers feel ill-prepared to be able to do something about addressing this issue
Have a look at this film about standing up for homophobic bullying:
This is a well-written article about a very important subject! Nice work, Vanja! 🙂
Thank you, Nina!!
Very interesting facts and a well-written article. Looking forward to read some more of your work. You go girl!
Thank you, Elise! Horrifying facts in my opinion. Stay tuned, girl.
i thought that kinda bullying would be only in non-european countries… thanks for good info, and thanks for writing this article ..!
Thanks, Kim. Yeah, one should think so. However, homophobia is alive and well. Homosexuality wasn’t decriminalized in Ireland until the year of 1993 – in contrary to Norway, which made it legal to be gay in 1972..
Really good piece! Really well presented.
Thank you, Claire! Appreciate it!
Great article, even though the statistic are horrifying. You convey a very important issue. Good job 🙂
Thanks a lot, Kristine. Yeah, the statistics are cruel and I’m hoping this important issue will be highlighted by the media in a greater extent.
Very very good article, well written! Sad statistics!
Thank you, Emma! Yes, I agree.
Ignorance and fear. Two unnecessary factors.
Communication and information. Two necessary factors!
k! Knowledge and understanding of fellow human beings is the way to go 🙂
Keep up the good work, Vanja!
Wise words, Charlotte!!! Thanks!!
Gay people deserve an education that is free from bullying and harassment. Great article!
Amen to that, Ronnie! Thank you:)
well done Vanja,iam proud too be u father;) u make the differents in this world;)
Thanks, my sweet father:)
This is very upsetting to read. Beeing a teacher myself I have experienced bullying between students in and outside the classroom. It is of utmost importance that teachers have the guts to take actions when they witness homophobic harassment, or other forms of bullying. Too often teachers tend to look the other way. It is great that you shine a light on this still existing problem in Irish schools.
Good words, Martin. You are an important role model for teachers. Thanks for the comment.
It’s so sad that so many lgbt kids can’t be themselves because of other peoples ignorance or narrow mindedness. School should be a safe place. Hopefully the Irish school system will find a way to overcome homophobia amongst teachers and students. Well done, V.
I agree, Tonje. Thank you.
This is a very important issue about peoples identity, school associations should have this article on their table. Change is needed! Good job=)
Change is needed, indeed. Thank you, Stian.
A very important thing to write about, Vanja! Really sad statistics.
Yeah..Thanks, Mathilde.
Great article Vanja. Sad to read.
Thanks, Finn.
These statistics are so sad. Glad you are putting a focus on this Vanja, great job.
Yes they are. Thank you, Lina.
This frightens me. I bet there are simular statistics in other countries as well. That being said, a very interesting and well-written article about an important topic! Good job.
Nice piece Vanja.
Thanks, Amalie.
Nikolai makes a really good point, I think. Horrible statistics, as mentioned above, but it makes me curious; do we know where the sample was taken from, i.e. from what kind of schools? Or from any specific area?
That is a good point as well, Reidun. I have linked to the research in the text – have a look. Unfortunately I don’t know exactly which schools in what area participated in this research.