Half of all LGBT youths are cyberbullied, according to new study
Researchers from the Iowa State University, Warren Blumenfeld and Robyn Cooper, have discovered that many gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and allied youths are the targets of cyberbullying.
According to them, roughly half of all “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and allied youths are regular victims of cyberbullying, which causes psychological and emotional distress to victims — producing thoughts of suicide in some who are repeatedly victimized.”
In the study, 45 percent reported feeling depressed as a result of being cyberbullied, 38 percent felt embarrassed, and 28 percent felt anxious about attending school. More than a quarter (26 percent) had suicidal thoughts.
The ISU study also proposes strategies for cyberbullying prevention. Eighty percent of the survey’s respondents indicated that their peers should do more to stop it.
Have you ever been a victim of cyberbullying, or any other form of victimization due to you sexual orientation? Click ‘reblog’ to let us know.
