Inclusive Practices Help All Students Thrive

Adolescents are experiencing a mental health crisis.

At a glance

  • Our young people are experiencing a mental health crisis, and some young people are more affected than others.
  • Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth are reporting especially high rates of poor mental health.
  • All students benefit when schools implement policies and practices supporting LGBTQ+ students.
Young woman holds up a rainbow flag behind her head.

Why it's important

The mental health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth is worsening.

The Youth Risk Behavior Data Summary & Trends Report: 2013–2023 brought into clear focus the level of distress many youth are experiencing. One serious concern is that LGBTQ+ youth are reporting especially high rates of poor mental health.

Schools are a vital lifeline to help students struggling with their mental health. Research has shown that when youth feel connected, they do better not just in adolescence, but into adulthood.

Did you know?‎

When schools focus on creating safe and supportive environments that support LGBTQ+ youth, all youth have improved mental health outcomes.

The data

In 2023, CDC found that:

  • 65% of LGBTQ+ students had persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
  • 41% of LGBTQ+ students seriously considered attempting suicide.

These percentages are higher than those of their cisgender, heterosexual peers (31% and 13%, respectively).

See Also

2 high school students looking to the text book.
YRBS Data Summary & Trends Report
Examine trend data on health behaviors and experiences among U.S. high school students.

All adolescents do better in LGBTQ-inclusive schools

Schools can help address the adolescent mental health crisis with policies and practices that support LGBTQ+ youth.

Did you know?‎

CDC research shows that inclusive practices benefit both LGBTQ+ students and heterosexual students. Heterosexual students even see greater benefit in some risk categories. The reverse is also true. Restrictive LGBTQ+ policies and practices negatively affect heterosexual students as well.

LGBTQ+ supportive policies and practices

When schools implement policies and practices supporting LGBTQ+ students, all students experience:

  • Less emotional distress.
  • Less violence and harassment.
  • Fewer suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

The more policies and practices a school implements, the better the student health outcomes.

Did you know?‎

LGBTQ+ supportive policies and practices positively affect a school's environment. And this offers a safer and more supportive space for ALL students.

Such policies and practices include:

  • Gender and Sexuality Alliances.
  • Professional development on inclusivity.
  • Safe spaces.
  • Anti-harassment policies.

See Also

Multiracial LGBTQ+ students having fun together sitting outside school.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth
Several practices can improve the health, safety, and school connectedness for LGBTQ+ youth.

What CDC is doing

CDC's What Works in Schools program combines safe and supportive school environments with quality health education and referrals to health services. This creates a three-strategy, school-based approach to protect and promote adolescent health.

Schools that use What Works in Schools see positive outcomes. Outcomes include fewer students experiencing violence, drug use, risky sex behaviors, and poor mental health.

See Also

Teacher standing in a library and speaking with students seated at library tables.
What Works in Schools
This school-based approach promotes adolescent health and well-being.

Resources

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Content Source:
Division of Adolescent and School Health; National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion