8 Out of 10 Young Trans People Have Self-Harmed
According to a new survey published by charity Stonewall has revealed that eight out of ten young trans people have self-harmed and over half of teens have attempted suicide.
However, the survey which spoke to more than 3,7000 gay, bisexual, lesbian and trans pupils in schools and colleges across the UK found that LGBT bullying has decreased in the past five years. Despite this, the effect on their education and wellbeing is clear.
9% of trans-students reported receiving death threats in the survey, with 84% saying that they have self-harmed and almost half (45%) attempted to take their own life.
The findings are being labelled as a “wake-up call ” to politicians and schools by the charities’ chief executive Ruth Hunt, who also expressed that there is much more that needs to be done in order to support LGBT students throughout their education.
Just 29% of students who took part in the survey said that a teacher had intervened when they witnessed a bully-ish act, whilst four out of ten students expressing that they’re never taught about LGBT-related issues in the classroom.
Despite this, the percentage of pupils who reported being bullied for being LGBT is 55% down from 2012 and 45% from this year. Now, just over half (52%) of students hear homophobic slurs in school, compared to the 68% of students hearing the abuse in 2012.
Ruth Hunt commented: “Stonewall has worked alongside governments and schools over the last decade to combat anti-LGBT bullying and create inclusive learning environments for young people.
“Our school years are one of the most formative periods of our lives, and we owe it to young LGBT people to ensure they don’t face discrimination or bullying because of who they are, but are supported to flourish and achieve”…
“While our new School Report shows an improved experience for pupils in many ways, it also needs to act as a wake-up call for schools, government and politicians on just how far we still have to go.
Our report shows that schools are increasingly willing to address LGBT issues within the classroom. Forty per cent of LGBT young people today say they have never been taught about LGBT issues at school – a sobering statistic, but one showing progress from 2012, when 53% reported the same.”