Bullying begins at a very young age and continues all through youth; the act and victimisation from bullying remains to be a problem. Though almost all youngsters experience this form of violence, it is even more prevalent in children that are even a little different from the regular society. As researchers continue to further their understanding of bullying, studies show that there is a high rate of sexual minority youth who are victims of this harmful activity.
A new study conducted by doctors at Nationwide Children's Hospital found that sexual minority youth, or teens that identify themselves as gay, lesbian or bisexual, are bullied two to three times more than heterosexuals. The study shows that sexual minority youth are more vulnerable to a variety of physical and mental domains such as bullying or suicidal thoughts. Plus, it was also seen that many older adolescents reported being bullied.
Health experts believe that there is a need for health care professionals and others who work with children, to be aware that sexual minority youth are more likely to be victims of bullying and other forms of violence. Apart from that, parents should also take time to communicate with their children about sensitive topics such as sexuality, peer relations and violence.
Growing Up Today Study (GUTS), an on-going study of American adolescents, which included information on more than 7,500 adolescents, showed researchers while examining relationship between sexual orientation and bullying, that youth identifying themselves as gay or lesbian were less likely to bully others and more likely to report being bullied than heterosexual teens.
It is a well-known fact that children that are different from the social norm often become targets of social isolation, harassment and bullying. Recommended strategies to identify this type of abusive behaviour include encouraging clinicians to routinely inquire about sexual orientation and their experiences with bullying, interpersonal violence and abuse; screening sexual minority youth for depression, suicidal intentions and involvement in high-risk behaviour; and increasing the support of school policies to ensure a safe learning environment for all students.
It has to be a collective effort of parents, health care professionals and schools in particular, experts say, to create environments that are supportive and accepting of all students, regardless of their sexual orientation.
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