What is the Effect of Being Bullied?: Comparing Direct Harms of Bullying Experienced by LGB and non-LGB Students

In the United States, bullying against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, and queer (LGBTQ) students is garnering greater attention from scholars, policymakers and school officials. This interest has prompted research that is providing a better understanding of these experiences, especially the frequency with which LGBTQ students are bullied. Less is known about the direct consequences of being bullied and how these harms might vary between LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ students. The present study begins to address this issue with a focus on students bullied due to their sexual orientation. Specifically, this study uses a nationally representative sample of 12- to 18-year-old students in the United States to explore how bullying experiences and their repercussions on LGB and non-LGB students compare. While certain characteristics are similar, students who report being bullied due to their sexual orientation experience more frequent negative repercussions than those not targeted in this way. These initial findings suggest implications for future research and policy