LGBT Students More Likely to Be Cyber-Bullied

Recently, Iowa State University professor Warren Blumenfeld, lead the first-ever national study on cyber-bullying of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender youth.

The study found that the majority of harassment goes unreported, causes widespread depression and anxiety about attending school.

 The 2009 Iowa School Climate Survey found similar findings:

LGBT students continue to be targeted for cyber-bulling at higher rates than their straight peers. LGBT students were:

• 2.03 times as likely to have been cyber-bullied sometime in the last year

Cyber-bullying increases thoughts of suicide. LGBT students were:

• 59% more likely to report having considered suicide if cyber-bullied because of their sexual orientation

Cyber-bullying affects gay and straight students alike, lowers attendance and increases absenteeism. Specifically, LGBT and straight respondents who had been cyber-bullied were:

• 3.88 times as likely to have skipped class, and;

• 3.03 times as likely to stay home from school

To read the full 2009 Iowa School Climate Survey go HERE.

If you are being harassed or cyber-bullied, please check out our Make it Real manual HERE.  It helps you understand your rights and how to report harassment.  You don't have to put up with cyber-bullying--you have rights--use them!