Focus on Bullying

To the Editor:

Politicians are once again focusing on the issue of transgender restrooms, a nonissue. Only a small percentage of teenagers identify as transgender and finding suitable accommodations is not difficult. Transgender students pose no threat to the physical safety of others.

The real issue at hand is bullying. This often occurs in school restrooms, but it extends far beyond that. In fact, one in three students in the US reports being bullied, and bullying has been linked to an increased risk of suicide by up to seven times.

Think back to your own experiences in school. You may have witnessed or experienced bullying for being too fat or thin, too short or tall, too smart or dumb, or for wearing the wrong clothes. This can have a lasting impact on a person’s mental health.

If you were once a victim or bystander of bullying, it’s time to speak up and prevent others from experiencing the same. If you were a perpetrator, it’s time to make amends. Change the conversation around school restrooms to focus on bullying, which is linked to depression and teen suicide. This is the real issue.