Experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer young people in Irish second-level schools.
In 2022, we once again partnered with the Teachers College, Columbia University, to conduct research into the experiences of LGBTQ+ students in schools across Ireland. The 2022 School Climate Survey is our second iteration of this research, with the first report published in 2019. The research examined indicators of a negative school experience, the impact of the school environment on students, and school-based supports that can improve the lives of LGBTQ+ youth. Our findings paint a bleak picture of the reality of school life for LGBTQ+ students in Ireland. An alarming 76% of LGBTQ+ students felt unsafe at school (2019: 73%). Many students reported being subjected to homophobic remarks; physical, verbal and sexual harassment, and physical and sexual assault. However, there is hope. Almost all LGBTQ+ students who responded to the survey, 99%, identified one school staff member supportive of LGBTQ+ identities (2019: 97%). The proportion of LGBTQ+ students taught positive things about LGBTQ+ identities also increased significantly, from 22% in 2019 to 36% in 2022. Our research once again found that staff intervention in instances of homophobic language, higher levels of staff support for LGBTQ+ students, and an LGBTQ+-inclusive curriculum increases feelings of safety, acceptance, and belonging among LGBTQ+ students, and reduces their likelihood of missing school. To obtain a representative national sample of LGBTQ+ young people, we engaged with our education partners, network of parents and guardians, professionals and young people, along with national and regional LGBTQ+ and youth organisations. Through increased promotion on youth platforms, TikTok and Snapchat, we achieved the largest ever research sample of LGBTQ+ young people in schools in Ireland. The final sample consisted of 1,208 LGBTQ+ students, representing all 26 counties in the Republic of Ireland (2019: 788).
Belong To School Climate Survey 2022 Key Findings
- Recommended Citation: Belong To (2022) School Climate Survey 2022 Key Findings. Research Report. Dublin: Belong To
Belong To School Climate Survey 2022 Full Report 2022
- Recommended Citation: Pizmony-Levy, O. (2022). The 2022 Irish National School Climate Survey Report. Research Report. Global Observatory of LGBTQ+ Education and Advocacy. New York: Teachers College, Columbia University
Update Belong To School Climate Report 2024
As part of our ongoing work in schools, we have been conducting research concerning the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ young people in Irish post-primary schools for the past 5 years through our School Climate research in collaboration with Columbia University. We sought to undertake this research in 2024 with data collection taking place from May to July. Despite an extensive survey dissemination plan, the sample size for this research was not met. As a result, this research project will not be completed in 2024.
We want to thank all the young people who participated in the survey and all the stakeholders who supported recruitment. In response to these challenges, we will comprehensively consider the research recruitment methods utilised and engage young people in a consultation process to prevent such challenges to research endeavours moving forward.
We would be incredibly grateful if you could share any suggestions to address these challenges regarding recruitment. If you have suggestions please feel free to contact our Research and Advocacy Manager, Matt directly at matt@belongto.org.
Additionally, if you have any questions in relation to this please feel free to reach out to Matt.
Thank you.