Blog
Ah! The crisp, cool air blowing through your hair. The shiny tips of the sharpened #2 pencils. The smell of the old pleather seats on the bus…It’s school time once again! While back-to-school time may be one of the most exciting times of the year for children and parents alike,the LGBTQ+ students may enter the school year with trepidation.
There are many reasons kids are teased and/or bullied including clothes, appearance, participation in school activities, disabilities, race and more. But identifying as, or being perceived as being part of the LGBTQ+ community is one of the leading causes for targeting and bullying.
According to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023 LGBTQ+ Youth Report, “more than half of LGBQ+, transgender, and gender-expansive youth were victimized specifically due to their sexual identity, gender identity, and/or gender expression.” Meaning that summer is more than just a vacation to them. It’s a chance to escape being bullied by their peers at school.
So, how can they have a fun, safe school year? With allies!
Let’s dig into what it takes to stop the potential bullying of the LGBTQ+ kids and others in our community in school and how you can help your child be prepared to address bullying.
Acknowledge Those Being Bullied
“Be kind to everyone. It’s the simplest thing you can do.” – Julia, 8th Grade
We all have different life experiences, identities and appearances. That’s what makes us all unique and wonderful! When someone sees you for what you are, you feel acknowledged and valued.
If you know someone who is struggling with being bullied, their sense of self is diminished. They can become closed off and distant for self preservation. Preventing Bullying Through Science, Policy, and Practice says:
“Being bullied makes young people incredibly insecure: When you’re being bullied, you can feel constantly insecure and on guard. Even if you’re not actively being bullied, you’re aware it could start anytime. It has a big mental and emotional impact—you feel unaccepted, isolated, angry, and withdrawn.”
By demonstrating respect we show others there are people who can be trusted. There are safe places for them to exist without fear. No one should be afraid to go to school. No one should fear for their safety in the hallways. And no one should be harassed – period. It may sound pretty basic but treating everyone with respect really goes a long way. So reach out. Even saying “hello” can be a great start to helping anyone feel seen and included.
Stand Up for What’s Right
“Stand up for them because they don’t deserve to be treated poorly.” – Peter, 9th Grade
Encourage your child to speak up! If they hear hurtful language, give them the confidence to say something to a trusted adult. If they’re not comfortable confronting the bully, they should tell a guidance counselor, teacher or any adult they trust. Bullies may harass when they feel it’s safe that they won’t get caught or receive any sort of punishment or embarrassment.
There are a number of resources to help show children how to be better allies. For example, Happiest Baby’s how-to blog mentions a number of ways to prepare your child for the world of bullying by role playing and telling stories. However, the best one is to “model the behavior you want to see.” By practicing empathy ourselves, we show our children how to behave to those around us with respect and inclusivity.
If you ever wonder if you’re being a good ally, ask yourself:
- Am I practicing empathy?
- Am I standing up for someone?
- Am I speaking out against bullying?
With practice, your children will feel confident standing up to bad behavior and being a positive force at school.
If you have any questions about how to stop bullying in your school or for more resources about becoming a better ally, visit stopbullying.gov. Or join our Ally 102 Workshop on September 18th to learn more about LGBTQ+ issues and how to become a better ally yourself.
Download our free Ally Poster here to help with your conversations.
