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Everyone – including children and young people – has the right to education. This right includes access to a safe and inclusive school environment. However, for young lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ+) individuals around the world, this fundamental right is often violated due to bullying and other forms of violence in school.
The United Nations calls on all States to ensure quality education for all, including LGBTIQ+ young people. Research from around the world consistently shows that LGBTIQ+ students report a high prevalence of bullying and violence at school, leading to significant harmful consequences. Globally, around 45 percent of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans youth report being bullied in educational settings.
What is the impact of bullying and discrimination at school?
Young people who face discrimination, bullying, or other forms of violence due to their LGBTIQ+ identity are more likely to feel unsafe, avoid school activities, skip classes, achieve lower academic results, or even drop out of school. They are also more likely to have lower aspirations and fewer employment prospects, which can increase the risk of financial instability and homelessness. The violence experienced can have lasting negative impacts on their physical and mental health, including higher risks of anxiety, fear, stress, loss of confidence, low self-esteem, loneliness, isolation, self-harm, depression, and suicide.
What violence do LGBTIQ+ youth at school face?
LGBTIQ+ youth experience higher rates of bullying compared to their non-LGBTIQ+ peers. This violence includes physical, sexual, and psychological harassment, occurring in various school settings such as classrooms, dormitories, playgrounds, toilets, changing rooms, and even online. For many LGBTIQ+ students, bullying is a daily occurrence. They often face hostile environments characterized by name-calling, threats, malicious rumors, exclusion, and being outed by peers. Additionally, they may encounter harassment or unfair punishment from teachers and school administrators, including suspension or expulsion. Harmful gender stereotypes and misinformation about LGBTIQ+ individuals can be perpetuated through teaching practices, curricula, and school policies, further reinforcing prejudice. For instance, 44% of LGBTIQ+ 15 to 17-year-olds in the European Union reported that their rights were rarely or never supported at school.
