Can school-based peer programs meaningfully reduce experiences of homophobic bullying?
Peer support is generally recognized as being an effective intervention for youth who have experienced bullying based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. Peer support can be defined as any interaction between students that is intended to increase social connectedness, safety, belonging, and empowerment among LGBTQ+ individuals.
These interactions may include having open dialogues about sexual health, providing referrals to community resources, and offering emotional support when dealing with difficult situations such as coming out.
Researchers have found mixed results regarding whether or not school-based peer programs can meaningfully reduce experiences of homophobic bullying.
One study conducted in schools across the United States found that peer support programming did not significantly decrease rates of victimization among LGBTQ+ individuals. The study involved a randomized controlled trial of a peer-led program called "Safe Space," which was implemented in three high schools across multiple states. After one year of implementation, there were no significant differences in victimization rates between participating schools and control schools.
Researchers noted that Safe Space did lead to improvements in mental health outcomes, including reductions in depressive symptoms and increased self-esteem. This suggests that while this type of program may not be enough to address homophobic bullying, it may still benefit LGBTQ+ youth in other ways.
Another study examined the effectiveness of a peer-support group for LGBTQ+ youth at a large public university. The group met once per week for 90 minutes over an academic semester and provided an opportunity for participants to discuss issues related to their identities and experiences with sexuality. While the intervention did result in some positive changes for participants (such as improved social connectedness), it did not lead to decreased reports of being bullied based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Researchers suggest that this could be due to the fact that many colleges already offer extensive resources and support services for LGBTQ+ students, making it difficult to measure any additional impact from the program.
Despite these mixed results, school-based peer programs can still play an important role in supporting LGBTQ+ youth. These types of programs can help build a sense of community and belonging among young people who often feel isolated and alone because of their identities. They can also provide opportunities for education and advocacy about topics like consent, safer sex practices, and anti-violence efforts.
Reducing experiences of homophobic bullying requires a multifaceted approach that includes efforts by schools, families, communities, and policymakers. School-based peer programs are just one tool in that arsenal.
Can school-based peer programs meaningfully reduce experiences of homophobic bullying?
School-based peer programs have been shown to be effective at reducing incidents of all types of bullying including homophobic bullying. The program involves training peers to identify bullying situations and intervene effectively, providing support for victims and perpetrators, and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and accepted regardless of their sexual orientation. Studies have found that these programs can decrease instances of homophobic bullying by up to 50% among participants.