Insults and accusations are part of everyday life for most American students. We are not the diverse, tolerant people we'd like the world to think we are. That's the backdrop against which many boys and girls frame their view of single sex education.
Raised in a homophobic society they tend to look at single sex schools through sex colored glasses. What they don't understand is that boys' and girls' schools play to their strengths. Stereotypes are all some children see and understand because they are not exposed to diverse views. They are subject to bullying especially when adults look the other way or are not present. They certainly do not want to be intimidated or ostracized because they are different.
The truth is that there probably are no more gay and lesbian students in boys' or girls' schools than there are in coeducational schools. Statistically it doesn't make sense that there would be more.
Discuss It Openly.
Boys and girls have to deal with their sexuality. Part of that exercise is experimenting, discussing and flirting with all the options. If they haven't thought of it themselves, the American entertainment industry will certainly put all those issues right under their noses. What any good private school is able to do is to provide some serious mentoring and discussion of issues like teenage sexuality. The tightly wrapped sense of community which most of these schools have makes young people feel comfortable discussing these and other issues.
Watch For Signs Of Suicide
Teens are under enormous stress under normal conditions. Add to the mix worries about sexuality and grades and you have a recipe for suicide. Heed the warning signs, no matter how insignificant you think they may be. If you cannot confront your classmate, alert an adult and make sure she follows through.
