Cyberbullying and LGBTQ youth: A deadly combination

Résumé

This editorial discusses the deadly combination of cyberbullying and LGBTQ youth. Several studies agree that cyberbullying is more common in youth who do not identify as heterosexual, and it results in serious mental health consequences. Regardless of sexual orientation, youth who experienced only cyberbullying were at higher risk of depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, self-injury, and suicide attempt compared with those who had only experienced school-based bullying, with LGBT youth at a significantly higher risk for these outcomes. To counter the disturbing trends, a variety of organizations are dedicated to improving life for LGBTQ teens. The Trevor Project has been providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ teens and young adults since 1998. The Cyberbullying Research Center offers a fact sheet that includes what the law says about protection from sex discrimination and gender-based harassment, and suggests establishment of a school-based Gay-Straight Alliance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved) GENRE HOMME FEMME ADOLESCENT IDÉATION TENTATIVE HOMOSEXUALITÉ BULLYING INTERNET ORDINATEUR DÉPRESSION