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COLUMBUS, Ohio - A new survey shows high rates of depression and anxiety among LGBTQ teens nationwide. Advocates say lawmakers could do more to ensure kids aren't bullied based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Human Rights Campaign surveyed 12,000 kids ages 13-17 who identify as LGBTQ. Ellen Kahn, director of the Children, Youth and Families Program with the Human Rights Campaign, said more than 70 percent of teens surveyed reported feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, and the majority had experienced verbal threats.
"These mental health challenges are directly a result of what's happening to these kids by people around them," Kahn said. "Being harassed, being treated poorly, being stigmatized, facing discrimination, that has a cumulative effect."
Kahn said many LGBTQ teens report that they're comfortable coming out to their peers. But, she said, more support from educators, policymakers and other adults could pave the way to improving students' emotional well-being.
Kahn said if lawmakers want to protect students, they should enact policies that specifically address anti-LGBTQ bullying and establish guidelines for inclusivity training for teachers and school staff. Though Ohio has not yet made such a move, 19 other states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws to protect students from bullying based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
"That significantly decreases anti-LGBTQ bullying, it improves the experience of students who are more likely to hear positive statements about who they are," Kahn said. "So school culture is a huge factor."
About 1-in-4 respondents said they always feel safe in the classroom, and just 5 percent said they believe all their teachers are supportive of individuals who identify as LGBTQ.
