The researchers, Tessa Kaufman from Utrecht University and Laura Baams from the University of Groningen, administered a questionnaire to 29,879 students at 136 secondary schools. 15.4 percent of the students were gay or bisexual; 2.7 percent were trans or non-binary. These LGBTQI students reported more often than other students that they had been bullied. This happened more often in places where they were isolated, such as toilets, changing rooms and online. LGBTQI students felt less free to report their experiences to teachers or their parents. When they did, they received less support and intervention occurred less often. As a result, they remained victims of bullying for longer than other students.
Safe school climate
The researchers point out that interventions aimed at promoting a safe school climate often focus on situations in the classroom and other public spaces, and less on areas with little supervision. They also often focus on the behavior of peers, not that of adults at school. Furthermore, the behavior of staff members who are prejudiced against LGBTQI students can set a bad example for other students.
It is important to create a safe school climate, according to the researchers, and to inform students properly about how they can receive support if they have been bullied. They advocate inclusive sex education for students and diversity and inclusion as mandatory topics in staff training.
In an interview with AD, researcher Kaufman states that schools need to do more to prevent this bullying behavior. “For example, to monitor the experiences of LGBTQI young people more closely. This would enable schools to provide clearer information. Preferably at the beginning of the school year, so that everyone knows where they can safely and, if necessary, anonymously report their experiences with bullying. This will hopefully make the school a safe school for everyone.” Ministers Slob and Van Engelshoven have indicated that they will speak with young people, teachers and school boards about tackling the problem.
Read the English-language study here.