Reducing Bullying toward LGBTQ Youths in Schools

Abstract

Bullying toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youths is a pervasive problem in schools that has negative impacts on LGBTQ students' mental health and educational outcomes. School social workers need to understand the prevalence and dynamics of bullying toward LGBTQ students to respond appropriately to victims and bullies, address school climate issues, and implement preventive and responsive interventions. School social workers can take a number of steps to improve the school environment and assist LGBTQ students to make schools a safer place for them to learn.