It is well documented that young people who identify as LGBT+ are more likely to face bullying, discrimination and mental health challenges, compared to their heterosexual peers.
Key findings on young people's mental health support in schools
International research summarised by NIHR School for Public Health Research has found that there is a link between school-based LGBT+ anti-bullying policies and improvements in the mental health of pupils who identify as LGBT+. International research shows that such policies improve subjective wellbeing, such as life satisfaction and personal relations with others, as well as acting as a protective factor against mental ill-health.
The positive impacts also include a reduction in the incidences and severity of mental health; reduction in self-harming, suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Across the wider population, they also found a reduction in mental health inequalities.
There is limited research into the impact of school-based LGBT+ anti-bullying policies within the UK, something that the NIHR School of Public Health Research is now working on.
Qualified mental health support in schools: The School Mental Health Specialist
The ‘School Mental Health Specialist’ is a master’s level programme, starting in September 2021 in collaboration with Leeds Beckett University. This new specialist training programme has been jointly designed and informed by school leaders, educational experts and mental health professionals.
If you are an individual, working in a school or college setting and interested in developing your ability to identify needs, support pupils’ mental health and much more please click here.
Alternatively, if you are a school leader interested in training up a member of your team please click here.
