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Bullying Rates For LGBTQ+ Kids Are Way Too High — Here’s How Parents Can Help

Both in-person and online bullying is having a damaging cascading effect.

by Devan McGuinness

Bullying has been an ongoing issue for our kids and teens—both in person and online. While there have been some great strides made at combatting the issue, a recent report reveals bullying rates among the LGBTQ+ community continues to be a widespread issue. Here’s what parents need to know.

A recent report released by The Trevor Project analyzed the effect bullying has on LGBTQ+ kids. The conclusions from the survey point to the widespread issue and underscores the negative impacts bullying can have on a person’s wellbeing.

The new details take data from the 2021 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, a survey done by The Trevor Project, which nearly 35,000 LGBTQ+ young people completed. The youth, who ranged in age between 13 to 24, answered questions on several topics, including bullying, conversion therapy, and how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting their lives.

The survey has some significant results, explicitly showing that in-person and digital bullying is still way too high for LGBTQ+ students. For example, the survey results show that 52 percent of LGBTQ+ young people in middle or high school reported being on the receiving end of in-person or electronic bullying within the past year.

What the numbers say for LGBTQ youth experiencing bullying

What can schools and parents do to help reduce bullying rates for LGBTQ+ youth?

The Trevor Project offers access to a crisis counselor