North Dakota Schools Need Training to Handle Bullies of LGBTQ+ Students

LGBTQ+ students in North Dakota reportedly do not have enough support from bullies in school.

A new study recently concluded that more needs to be done in North Dakota schools to support LGBTQ+ students. According to Public News Service, the North Dakota Community Uplift Program reports that "nearly 60% of LGBTQ+ students say they've been bullied on school grounds." And, while many North Dakota students are affected, it was reported that "only 13% of responding districts require staff training on LGBTQ+ culture."

How does bullying affect LGBTQ+ students?

Bullying can be harmful to anyone who experiences it. StopBullying.gov reports that, in general, kids who are bullied face "increased risk for depression, suicidal ideation, misuse of drugs and alcohol, experiencing sexual violence, engaging in unsafe sex practices, and can affect academics as well." Students who are part of the LGBTQ+ community are reportedly at higher risk for experiencing these things.

It is important to actively be there for people who may be getting bullied.

Bullying is a lot different now than it used to be. Kids can be targeted both online and in person. A victim may never get a break. So, it is important to be there for those being bullied. But will more North Dakota schools begin to actively support students who are bullied?

Many North Dakotans are proudly conservative which may make it hard for students to get proper support at school. I mean, people were outraged over a rainbow flag being flown at a government building in Minot earlier this year. There is no way there would not be an uproar over active in-school support of LGBTQ+ students.

Do you think LGBtQ+ students could use more support from bullying in school?