A new study published by JAMA Pediatrics found that transgender students were more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and bullying but would rather talk about their problems with teachers at school than with their parents at home.
Research Conducted by Top Universities
The study in question was conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and New York University better to understand the mental struggles of transgender students at school.
Unsurprisingly, the study found that transgender students are far more likely to deal with significant mental health challenges compared to their cisgender peers.
Transgender students are two to three times more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, bullying, and suicidal thoughts due to isolation from other students, often combined with a difficult home life.
What seems to be the more surprising finding from the study is that transgender students would prefer to talk about these issues with teachers at school, as opposed to their family members at home.
Transgender Students More Likely to Seek Help at School
The study found that transgender students are 39% more likely to find at least one adult on their campus that they feel comfortable talking to when compared to other students at school.
However, the study also found that transgender students typically avoid seeking help from multiple adults, do not reach out when needed, or only identify with adults who help them with their basic needs.
Mollie McQuillan, assistant professor of educational leadership and policy analysis at UW–Madison and lead author of the study, feels the findings suggest that schools consequently play a dual role in the lives of transgender students.
McQuillan said, “We know schools are often sites of shame, victimization, and bullying for transgender students—but now we also know of their potential to serve as vital sites for support.”
Seeking Parental Support
While transgender students are far more likely to seek help from school staff, they are also 74% less likely to seek help from their parents when they are feeling depressed or anxious.
“In the last five years, anti-LGBTQ+ state bills have dramatically expanded in number. These bills dissolve and prevent school environments in which transgender students can seek and receive support that could save their lives,” stated McQuillan.
Study Utilized Data From Wisconsin Youth Survey
To complete the study, the researchers used data from the 2021 Wisconsin Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which included 92,316 high school students, 3,957 of whom identified as transgender.
The study also found that transgender students were more than twice as likely to report bullying at school and far more likely to skip school because they felt unsafe or like they didn’t belong.
Joseph Cimpian, professor of economics and education policy at NYU Steinhardt, highlighted how the study’s findings have changed their understanding of transgender youth struggles.
Teachers’ Role in Supporting Trans Students
Cimpian said, “Our study confirms the higher rates of victimization for trans youth that we suspected from prior work, but our study also shows how trans youth are turning to teachers and other school staff for support, which is new.”
Unfortunately, the study also found that transgender students were 25% less likely to seek support from their peers and 48% less likely to reach out to their siblings when dealing with anxiety or depression.
“Like all students, trans and nonbinary students need support from multiple sources. Our results point to the critical role of PK-12 school staff in affirming and supporting trans and nonbinary students, especially when mental health concerns emerge,” McQuillan stated.
At the same time, these students are far less likely to reach out for support when needing help meeting their basic needs of survival and instead tend to isolate themselves even further.
The researchers concluded, “Our study exposes the danger of restrictive education laws when school supports fill a critical need for transgender youth.”
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