Lesbian, gay and bisexual students in California’s middle and high schools are much more likely than their straight peers to feel depressed, abuse substances and skip school, according to a new report by Kidsdata.*
The report examines data from two state-sponsored surveys, one looking at student wellbeing in grades 7,9 and 11 and non-traditional students, and another that gauges the opinions of staff at elementary through high schools on student behavior, policies and programs, and overall school climate.**
In the student survey, 60 percent of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) youth reported feeling consistently sad for two weeks or more, and that the sadness prevented them from doing their usual activities. These depressive symptoms were only half as prevalent among straight students.
Rates of drug and alcohol abuse among LGB youth were also double that of their straight peers, and half reported cutting classes or skipping school during the past year, compared to 35 percent of non-LGB youth. Skipping school is tied to poor emotional health and at-risk behavior, and hurts children’s health and educational attainment, the report stated.
To read more of Claudia Boyd-Barrett's article, please click here.
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