Last year there warm a. group of kids who  teased me every day about how I looked. They called me names and mad up stories about what I do with boys. It started again this year. I want them to stop because it makes me hate coming to school. But when I tell people about it, they don't think it’s a “big deal.”

Sexual Harassment: A Guide for Students

Sexual harassment is not exclusive to adults. In fact, sexual harassment happens among people of all ages, including kids in elementary, middle, high schools and college.

WHAT IS SEXUAL HARASSMENT?

Sexual harassment is unwanted and unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature which creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment, and therefore interferes with a student's performance.

Harassment is a way of exerting power or‑control over another person. It can make the vim feel embarrassed, uncomfortable, and even frightened. No matter what the intention of the perpetrator, only the victim can judge how damaging the experience is.

Sexual Harassment Can Include:

Leering or staring in asexual way

Catcalls and whistling

Touching oneself publicly or touching others in a suggestive way

Comments about someone's body, clothing or looks

Spreading sexual rumors about another student

The presence of sexually explicit T‑shirts, literature, cartoons, or pornography

Snapping bras, pulling someone's pants down, or lifting up a skirt Pressuring someone for a date or for sex

Facts about harassment in schools

4 out of 5 students say they have been sexually harassed during school years

Gender comparisons show that 3l% of girls report being harassed, compared to 18% of boys

Age comparisons show that 32% of students were harassed in grade 6 or before

Verbal harassment is experienced by 66% of harassed students, and physical harassment (unwanted sexual touching, grabbing and or pinching) is reported by 65% of girls and 42% of boys Source: The American Association of University Women, 1 993.

What can I do if it happens to me?

This guide will highlight what can be considered sexual harassment as well as its emotions and physical consequences, and how school performance can suffer. You will also find suggestions on how to identify sexual harassment and what action to take if you are the target.

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE WHO HARASS?

Any one can be a victim or perpetrator of harassment. The same study conducted by The American

Association of University Women determined that:

Some students admitted to having harassed someone: 66% of the boys and 52% of the girls

Of all students, 18% cited adults as perpetrator

What Is The Impact of Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is a serious matter and affects victims in many different ways. Apart from emotional and physical abuse, sexual harassment can cause school performance to suffer. Students deserve to go through their school day free of the damaging impact of sexual harassment.

Emotional Consequences Include

*anger, irritability * isolation, detachment

* self‑doubt, confusion * low self‑esteem

* loss of trust * shame, embarrassment

* feelings of dread * fear, anxiety

feeling powerless

Emotional Consequence Can Lead To Physical Effects Which May Include:

* colds . * sleeplessness

* use of alcohol or drugs * loss of appetite

* change in weight * acne

School Performance Can Suffer In Any of The Following Ways:

* absenteeism, truancy * acting out

* dropping out of school * inability to concentrate

* lower grades

ARE YOU A TARGET OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT?:

There are a number of ways to identify and combat sexual harassment. Here are some of the

recommendations to help stop sexual harassment.

* Tell the harasser to stop. The offender may not realize that his/her behavior is unwelcomed.

* If the harasser ignores this request, the student or the parent should tell a teacher or school administrator.

* When harassment is ongoing, written records of the offending actions should be kept. Most schools have policies that prohibit sexual harassment.

* Identify whether there are any witnesses. This can strengthen a student's case against the offender.

Need additional information: Contact: RAPE CRISIS OUTREACH

(318)494-7273 1-(888) 255-7273 24 Hour Emergency Hotline