It is important to build a safe environment for all youth, whether they are straight or LGBTQ+. All youth can thrive when they feel supported. Parents, schools, and communities can all play a role in helping LGBTQ+ youth feel physically and emotionally safe:

• Build strong connections and keep the lines of communication open. Some LGBTQ+ youth often feel rejected. It is important for them to know that their families, friends, schools, and communities support them.
• Establish a safe environment at school. Schools can send a message that no one should be treated differently because they are, or are perceived to be, LGBTQ+. Sexual orientation and gender identity protection can be added to school policies. 
• Create gender and sexuality alliances (GSAs). GSAs help create safer schools. Schools must allow these groups if they have other “non-curricular” clubs or groups. Learn more about the right to form a GSA under the Equal Access Act. 
• Protect privacy. Be careful not to disclose or discuss issues around being LGBTQ+ with parents or anyone else.

Depending on the environment, some groups—such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, etc (LGBTQ+) youth, youth with disabilities, and socially isolated youth—may be at an increased risk of being bullied.

Generally, children who are bullied have one or more of the following risk factors:

• Are perceived as different from their peers, such as being overweight or underweight, wearing glasses or different clothing, being new to a school, or being unable to afford what kids consider “cool”
• Are perceived as weak or unable to defend themselves
• Are depressed, anxious, or have low self esteem
• Are less popular than others and have few friends
• Do not get along well with others, seen as annoying or provoking, or antagonize others for attention

However, even if a child has these risk factors, it doesn’t mean that they will be bullied.