Systematic Review of Intervention and Prevention Programs to Tackle Homophobic Bullying at School: a Socio-emotional Learning Skills Perspective

Abstract Homophobia is a persisting and changing phenomenon globally affecting the educational system. Data clearly shows that school is not perceived as a safe environment for sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY). This work aims to systematically review the intervention and prevention programs designed to specifically address bullying behaviors at school towards SGMY, providing an analysis of the socio-emotional learning (SEL) components included in the interventions, to understand which socio-emotional skills can enhance students’ capabilities to prevent homophobic behaviors and promote safe environments for all students. The literature research was completed in February 2023 on NCBI PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist and diagram. A total of 408 studies were evaluated. 24 studies were selected as eligible for the final review. Each study was coded according to the targeted population: students, teachers, or to a whole school; moreover, the SEL model components were used as further classification criteria. The majority of interventions were targeted to students and to enhance social awareness. The literature review reported the lack of whole-school approaches, and most programs were not explicitly designed according to a SEL taxonomy despite the importance of socio-emotional skills in preventing prejudicial bullying. The review highlights the relevance of a socio-ecological approach to universal and targeted interventions.