Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

Taking the news pulse of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, by Providence Journal and projo.com staff, from 7 to 7, every business day
· Headlines · 25 words · Tag cloud · RSS · MultiBlog

Get the 7 to 7 on your mobile at www.projo.com. Twitter: projo | RSS | Email alerts

« Update: Consul, schools chief meet on flag incident | Main | Dartmouth students apologize for slur-laced e-mail »

Report: Risky behaviors more likely among gay teens

4:39 PM Fri, Mar 06, 2009 |
Maria Armental    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- High school students who identify their sexual identity as something other than heterosexual are more likely to engage in and be victims of risky and violent behavior, according to a report released by the state Department of Health and the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

One in 10 high school students in Rhode Island identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or unsure of their sexual orientation, according to the 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which, for the first time, includes questions about sexual orientation.

Researchers found LGBU students are:

  • Four times more likely to have attempted suicide in the past 12 months;

  • Almost three times more likely to be threatened or injured with a weapon at school;

  • Almost twice as likely to engage in a physical fight;

  • More than twice as likely to be hit, slapped or hurt by a girlfriend or boyfriend;

  • Three times more likely to have had forced sexual intercourse;

  • More likely to do drugs and drink; and

  • Four times more likely to have skipped school.

"I am concerned that many lesbian, gay, bisexual and unsure or questioning students feel unsafe at school and often miss school because they fear for their safety," said Peter McWalters, commissioner of elementary and secondary education.

social bookmarking

 Tags  Department of Health Providence RI

Comments

Don said:

These are high school kids taking these surveys, has anyone ever considered that? Teenagers are very likely to "have fun" on a survey or test that doesn't affect their GPA or scholastic standing. I'm sure that some the concerns are well placed by I wouldn't palce absolute faith in this survey. Was McWalters ever 15?

Link | March 6, 2009 7:11 PM
Report Abuse

ellen shatter said:

These findings are upsetting but not surprising. Are there enough
resources that gay teens can turn to for help?

Link | March 6, 2009 8:56 PM
Report Abuse

Jordan said:

sounds to me that the problem isn't the LGBU students. The problem is and has always been the bullies at school.

Writers have to get their stories right and do much needed research before concluding what they think is the answer. And the editor really needs to be careful on who he/she is assigning the story to.

Link | March 7, 2009 3:17 PM
Report Abuse

Jayme said:

I agree that oppression is the cause of all of these problems. Students who are regularly harassed and additionally often feel incredibly lonely and scared and may even be rejected at home are vulnerable to all kinds of things. Drinking, fighting, being in an abusive relationship or having mental health issues are all a result of living under horrendous circumstances. More resources are needed to protect youth in schools and to help alleviate some of the other stressors they face.

Link | April 6, 2009 9:17 PM
Report Abuse


Leave a comment

Please be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish.




Type the characters you see in the picture above.