1. Bullying in Our Schools: Protecting GLBT Youth
Tricia S. Jones, Ph.D.
Prof. of Psychological Studies in Education
Temple University
Tel/fax: /6013

2. Bullying of GLBT Youth
Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) surveyed 496 GLBT students from 32 states
61% report verbal harassment
47% report sexual harassment
28% report physical harassment
14% report physical assault

3. Bullying of GLBT Youth California Safe Schools Coalition Study (2004)
Anti-harassment law on books for 4 years
California has 1/8th of America’s School Children
Study conducted by University of California at Davis with statewide, comprehensive sample

4. Bullying of GLBT Youth
California Safe Schools Coalition Study (2004) FINDINGS
7.5% of CA Children are targets of harassment based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation
2/3rds of GLBT students report being harassed
47% are harassed repeatedly
91% report peers using slurs about sexual orientation
40% report teachers using slurs about sexual orientation

5. Bullying of GLBT Youth
California Safe Schools Coalition Study (2004) FINDINGS
Bullied Students are
Three times more likely to miss school
Twice as likely to be depressed
Twice as likely to consider or plan suicide
More likely to have lower grades
More likely to abuse drugs and alcohol

6. Bullying of GLBT Youth – What About the School Staff?
University of South Carolina Study
2/3rds of school counselors had negative attitudes about GLBT youth
1/3rd of teachers rated high on a scale of homophobia
52% of new teachers felt uncomfortable working with an openly GLBT colleague
Making Schools Safe Study in Massachusetts
53% of GLBT students reported hearing homophobic remarks made by school staff
GLSEN survey
Intervention and help is more likely to come from peers than staff

7. School Wide Efforts to Prevent Bullying
Develop an anti-bullying policy – one that specifically addresses GLBT issues
Provide training for teachers, administrators and staff - How to intervene effectively
Involve parents
Identify resources for bullies, victims and families – Support the Establishment of Gay-Straight Alliances and GLBT organizations