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Protective School Climates and Reduced Risk for Suicide Ideation in Sexual Minority Youths

April 2014
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This study uses data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey to compare suicide ideation among LGB youth living in states with more protective school climates to those living in less protective climates. It was published in the American Journal of Public Health in January 2014.

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Highlights
School climate is a critical component to comprehensive suicide prevention programs aimed at reducing LGB disparities in suicide risk.
LGB youth living in states and cities with more protective school climates are significantly less likely to report one-year suicidal thoughts.
In the most protective school climates, lesbian and gay students had about a one third reduction in suicidal thoughts.
Data Points
45%
of schools had a Gay-Straight Alliance or similar club
90%
of schools prohibited harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity
45%
of schools provided curricula on health matters relevant to LGBTQ youth
73%
of schools encouraged staff to attend trainings on creating supportive environments for LGBTQ youth
62%
of schools facilitated access to providers off school property that provided health and other services for LGBTQ youth

Please contact our communications office for a full copy of the study.

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Protective School Climates and Reduced Risk for Suicide Ideation in Sexual Minority Youths
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