Homophobic Bullying in Queensland Schools

Abstract

A significant portion of Australian youth are same-sex attracted, and their school years are a stage when they are particularly vulnerable. Australian students have reported considerable rates of homophobic abuse in their schools - and this is especially the case in states like Queensland where there is little formal protection available against homophobia. A recent Australian study has linked explicit anti-homophobic bullying policies with lower rates of homophobic bullying, and lower rates of self-harm and suicide risks for same sex attracted and gender questioning students. The Queensland Department of Education, Training and Employment has been asked to develop guidelines that capitalise on the reductions in homophobic bullying associated with protective policies in states like Victoria and New South Wales.