Iowa State Researchers recently released a study that found that about half of all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and allied youths are regular victims of cyberbullying.

The survey included 444 high school and college students, including 350 LGBT youths and found the following:

• 54% had experienced cyberbullying within the 30 day period prior to the study being conducted
• 45% replied that they had been made to feel depressed because of the bullying
• 38% felt embarrassed by the harassment
• 28% felt anxious about going to school
• 28%, just over one in four, responded that they had suicidal thoughts because of the bullying.

The study also found that young people want to see more training developed so that the peer leaders in the schools can act as positive role models to interrupt this kind of behavior in the schools and within the communities to show that this is not acceptable behavior.

Source: Half of All LGBT Youths Cyberbullied According To New Iowa State Study, Lezget Real, March 12, 2010

Tags: Cyberbullying, Iowa, lesbians, gays, transsexuals, allied youths