Urban High School Climate: Students’ Perceptions of Bullying and Homophobic Remarks in School

Abstract

Implications of bullying and homophobic remarks heard in school can be harmful to students and create an unsafe school environment. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth are often targets of negative and derogatory comments (GLSEN, 2009). This paper defines homophobic bullying, specifically in school settings, and addresses key issues. Several issues researched in this paper include; the implications of harassment, absenteeism, academics, and the roles of personal characteristics of students who heard homophobic remarks in schools. The research addresses the significance of students who report victimization of negative and harmful remarks. Resiliency and risk factors of students are essential issues addressed in an effort to understand the overall effects of homophobic bullying and negative remarks heard in schools. Finally, the paper addresses the importance of continued proactive efforts to reduce and eliminate bullying and homophobia in schools.