Bullying, cyberbullying, and sexual orientation minority youths: increased prevalence and mental health implications

Sexual diversity has been associated with experiences of discrimination that adversely impact mental health, with sexual minority youth at higher risk of bullying and cyberbullying. However, existing research often uses non-representative samples, lacks focus on bullying roles, and inconsistently examines different mental health indicators. This study addresses these issues by investigating whether non-heteronormative sexual orientation is associated with higher risks of bullying and cyberbullying, and analysing the relationship between being a victim or perpetrator and several mental health indicators (depression, suicidal behaviour, emotional and behavioural problems) in a representative adolescent sample. Participants were 1,972 students: 1,520 identified as heterosexual and 259 as non-heterosexual (18 lesbian/gay, 197 bisexual, 44 questioning). Validated self-report questionnaires were used. Non-heterosexual youth were more often victims of bullying. Moreover, non-heterosexual victims and perpetrators of bullying and cyberbullying scored higher on various indicators of mental health difficulties. These findings underscore the need for safe school environments to protect adolescent mental health.