Northeastern Educational Research Association. Bullying Experiences of Nonbinary Secondary Students: The Protective Role of Relationships With School-Based Adults

• In Event: The Consortium of State and Regional Educational Research Associations Distinguished Paper Session 4

Abstract

Research shows that non-binary students report higher rates of harassment and lower school belonging. Additionally, research shows that non-binary students with more social support have better outcomes than those with lower support. The current study reports on the bullying experiences and school belonging of non-binary students in Baltimore County Public Schools and examines whether positive relationships with school-based adults protect students from bullying and low school belonging. Results showed close to two percent of secondary students identified as non-binary on a system-wide survey. Non-binary students reported higher rates and more frequent bullying and lower school belonging compared to male and female students, but social support from school-based adults reduced the risk of bullying and low school belonging for non-binary students.

Authors

• Rebecca Kang McGill-Wilkinson, Baltimore County Public Schools

• Christine Koth, Baltimore County Public Schools