Sexual Harassment, Bullying Prevention Among Middle and High School Students

List a parent's top ten fears about middle and high school and sexual harassment will be one of them. A recent survey by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) confirmed that parents should be concerned. The study revealed that 48 percent of students in grades 7-12 report that they have sexually harassed in some way at school or through electronic communications. Here is a Q-and-A about kids and sexual harassment.

What did kids report on the AAUW survey?

The AAUW surveyed nearly 2,000 students in middle schools and high schools across the U.S. Students were asked to list and describe any sexual harassment: touching, predatory or sexual bullying, sexual innuendos, negative gay or lesbian comments, lewd rumor circulation, or texting or online contact of a sexual nature. Last year, 56 percent of girls and 40 percent of boys said they had experienced at least one of these incidents. Only a few students told their parents or reported it to school officials.

Why did kids not report sexual harassment to parents or school staff?

There are a number of reasons children avoid telling parents when they feel violated. Common reasons include fear of repercussion from sexual harasser. Some feared getting a popular student in trouble or that they would be further harassed. Others were concerned that they would not be believed or would be blamed for causing.Many kids assumed their parents and school staff couldn't or wouldn't do anything about the bullying. Some didn't want to worry parents.

What sexual harassment clues should parents watch for in kids?

As with other forms of bullying and shame-based behavior, a sexually-harassed student will likely give warning signs, but they may be confusing to parents. Moodiness, depression, reluctance to go to school, fear or nervousness around certain students, inability to concentrate, suffering grades, frequent illness, especially stomach ache, with no physical cause are common indicators.

What should parents know about school response to sexual harassment?

The AAUW study concluded that kids all too often are right: schools often don't do much about sexual harassment. The study concludes that schools are generally more comfortable with the larger bullying, issue, but not in specifically sexual bullying. "Schools are likely to promote bullying prevention while ignoring or downplaying sexual harassment," the study says. Parents need to know that their students have the right to harassment-free schools, under Title IX law. Parents are encouraged to push schools to implement anti-bullying policies that include sexual harassment. Also, as girls are more frequently targeted, some form of assertiveness training should be implemented, the study says.

Did students have any suggestions for reducing sexual harassment in school?

The AAUW solicited feedback and students had several suggestions. Ideas included punishment for harassers. Students also asked for a more approachable school response. Many students felt targeted as trouble-makers; they felt that reporting incidents to the school staff, it made matters worse. Students also requested an anonymous method of reporting sexual abuse, like Silent Observer.