Tips based on scientific insights
Tessa Kaufman conducts research into bullying. Together with other scientists, she contributed to the publication Working on a positive atmosphere in the classroom. 5 tips to prevent bullying by School & Veiligheid.
School & Veiligheid asked her what specific recommendations she has for teachers to increase the social safety of LGBTQ+ pupils and LGBTQ+ students. School & Veiligheid also asked her why LGBTQ+ students are more often victims of bullying.
Different from the norm
According to Kaufman, many LGBTQ+ students experience rejection or exclusion because they are seen as ‘different’ or ‘inferior’ because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, which differ from the norm.
“Attempts to make the school more inclusive – think of initiatives such as Purple Friday and GSAs – are also sometimes accompanied by resistance and a backlash,” she says. “That is precisely why it is especially important for education professionals to pay attention to this.”
Look beyond your own classroom
As a teacher, you often see students for only a few hours a week. Nevertheless, you can pick up on many signs of bullying – if you know where to look.
“There is a good chance that bullying happens outside the classroom,” says Kaufman. “For example, in the hallway, near the toilets, or in the gym. So also look around carefully when you are not teaching.”
Set clear boundaries with your team
Stopping bullying only works if everyone conveys the same message: we do not accept this. “Take a unified approach,” Kaufman emphasizes. “Discuss with colleagues and make agreements about what you do and do not accept, and what you do when you see inappropriate behavior. This gives students clarity and a sense of safety.”
Show that you are open to everyone
Show students that you are open to diversity. Sometimes safety lies in the little things. A rainbow sticker on your door, a poster with an LGBTQ+ theme in your classroom, or a pin on your bag.
“That can make just the difference for a student who is struggling and give them the confidence to approach you,” says Kaufman. “It conveys a message: here at school, in my classroom, you can be who you are.”
Take subtle forms of bullying seriously
Not all bullying is clearly visible. Sometimes it involves ‘jokes’ or exclusion that do not immediately stand out. For example, when calling someone ‘gay’ is supposedly used as a joke. Or when a student is not invited to an activity because ‘you don’t really like that, it’s really for girly girls’.
“Those subtle situations, which are not always intended negatively, can have a major impact on LGBTQ+ young people,” says Kaufman. “So respond to comments like these as well. Not by getting angry at the person who makes the comment or putting the LGBTQ+ student on the spot, but by setting the standard: we do not say things like that here; everyone belongs with us.”
Connection over condemnation
Kaufman therefore recommends starting with connection. “Let students discover what they have in common, regardless of differences in gender or sexual orientation. What do they like? What occupies their minds? What are they good at?”
“Then talk together about: what do gender, gender diversity, and sexual diversity actually mean? Why is it important to accept differences in these areas? What does it do to someone when they are constantly left out or told that they are not good enough? Often, that conversation, in which you encourage empathy, is already a major step.”
Work on creating a safe group
Bullying is not an individual problem. Bullying is truly a group problem.
As a teacher and educator, you have a major influence on social safety and the atmosphere in the classroom, and you can truly make a difference. By watching, listening, setting a standard, and showing that everyone is welcome.