Bullying: 4 in 5 Countries Lack Laws Protecting LGBTI Youth
Geneva (Switzerland), 5 November 2025 – Most countries worldwide still do not have explicit laws protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex (LGBTI) youth from bullying in schools, according to ILGA World.
New data from the ILGA World Database shows that only six United Nations member states have anti-bullying legislation protecting youth regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). At least one of these aspects is mentioned in national laws in around 40 UN member states, representing just one-fifth of the world.
“No matter where we begin our journey, the beliefs that guide us, or the lives we can build for our families, most people want youth to travel safely through an education that can grant them a future,” said Gurchaten Sandhu, Director of programmes at ILGA World.
“But for far too many, bullying becomes a major roadblock along the way. And when governments refuse to take action, they leave those roadblocks in place—or worse, allow for the debris to fall and make a difficult path into a landslide.”
Bullying negatively impacts LGBTI students’ mental health and reduces their academic success and career opportunities. The consequences increase healthcare and social support costs.
Summary
Despite widespread recognition of the harms of bullying, the majority of countries have yet to enact comprehensive laws protecting LGBTI youth in schools from abuse and discrimination.
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