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Alarming VUB study reveals growing intolerance among youth
A new study from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is raising concerns: teenagers in Flanders are becoming less tolerant towards the LGBTQIA+ community. As reported by BRUZZ, researchers found a troubling shift in attitudes, particularly among boys aged 12 to 18.
The trend breaks with previous generations, where acceptance of sexual and gender diversity had been steadily increasing.
A Decline in Acceptance
According to VUB sociologist Henny Bos and PhD researcher Hannes Coudenys, the findings show that tolerance levels are dropping, especially when it comes to homosexuality and transgender identities.
“Young people today are growing up in a more polarised world,” says Coudenys, “and that’s influencing how they think about gender and sexuality.”
Girls continue to show higher levels of acceptance, but even among them, a slight decline has been observed.
The Role of Social Media and the Anti-Woke Backlash
The researchers highlight toxic online environments as a key driver behind this shift. Influencers and online personalities who push anti-woke narratives have a real impact on young minds, particularly when positive role models or open conversations about diversity are lacking at school or at home.
Some teens also express confusion or frustration about the growing complexity of gender and sexual identities, which can make them less open or more resistant to change.
Why This Matters
For LGBTQIA+ teens, these attitudes can have serious consequences. Feeling unsafe, unseen, or unwelcome can deeply affect their mental health, sense of belonging, and overall development.
KET Magazine believes this is a wake-up call for schools, parents, youth organisations and media to invest more in inclusive education and representation. Young people deserve a future where everyone is accepted for who they are — without fear, shame, or rejection.
Sources
• BRUZZ – VUB researcher: “Young people are becoming less tolerant of the LGBTQIA+ community”
• Study conducted by Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Faculty of Social Sciences
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