The ABCs of Bullying
Addressing, Blocking, and Curbing School Aggression
Sexual Bullying/Homophobic Bullying
In addition to verbal, physical, and psychological bullying, there also is sexual bullying. Homophobic bullying is included in this category. Sexual bullying occurs when one student is harassed by another student(s) with unwanted words or actions. Examples of sexual bullying include:ref, ref
- Unwanted jokes, comments, or taunts about sexual body parts
- Teasing about sexual orientation or starting rumors about sexual activities
- Passing unwanted notes or pictures about sex
- Physically intrusive behaviors, such as brushing up against or grabbing someone in a sexual way or forcing someone to engage in unwanted sexual behaviors
- Spreading sexual rumors
- Pulling at clothing in a sexual way or pulling clothing down or off
- "Flashing" or "mooning"
A recent survey by the National Mental Health Association found that more than 75 percent of teens report that peers who are gay or thought to be gay are teased or bullied in their schools and communities. Nine out of 10 teens hear other kids at school or in their community use words such as "fag," "homo," "dyke," "queer," or "gay" at least once in a while, with 51 percent hearing them every day.ref Another study found that lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender (LGBT) youth heard slurs about 26 times a day, or one every 14 minutes.ref
Hearing derogatory and hurtful words and becoming victim to physical aggression can severely affect a LGBT youth's education, and mental and physical health. These students are more apt to skip school due to the fear, threats, and property vandalism directed at them.ref
Home | Courses | How to Use | Contact Us
For questions or comments, please visit our Contact Us page.
Last Updated: 5/19/04
SAMHSA is an Agency of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
