According to a new study, gay teenagers who decide to come out while in school are more likely to be happier than those who do not come out.

The researchers said teenagers who come out at school had a higher level of self-esteem and lower levels of depression than those who did not come out and are also less likely to be bullied at school. It is the first such study that document the benefits of coming out during adolescence. Researchers suggested that teenagers should not be advised to keep their sexuality hidden in an attempt to reduce the risk of bullying at school.

Stephen Russell, the director of the University of Arizona's Frances McClelland Institute for Children, Youth and Families, and the lead author of the study pointed out that the ability to be oneself is good for mental health.

The researchers studied data on 245 gay and lesbian people in their early 20s and found that all of them faced victimisation and bullying in school because of their gender identity or sexuality regardless of the fact whether they revealed their sexual orientation. They also found those who decided to come out reported higher self-esteem and life satisfaction than those who did not reveal their sexuality or gender identity.

Professor Russell said, "Until now, a key question about balancing the need to protect LGBT youth from harm while promoting their well-being has not been addressed: do the benefits of coming out at school outweigh the increased risk of victimisation? Our study points to the positive role of coming out for youth and young adult well-being."

Professor Russell said that the study will help parents and school teachers on best way to helpo students facing issues.