NCJ Number
150811
Journal
School Intervention Report Volume: 7 Issue: 4 Dated: (Summer 1994) Pages: 1-9
Date Published
1994
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This survey of 4,200 girls on the topic of sexual harassment in schools revealed that 94 percent and 76 percent of incidents occurred in school classrooms and hallways, respectively; friends or fellow students usually witnessed the sexual harassment, and teachers were present one-third of the time.
Abstract
Girls were touched, pinched, or grabbed (83 percent); recipients of sexual notes or pictures (28 percent); recipients of gestures, looks, comments, or jokes (89 percent); or pressured to do something sexual (10 percent). Further, 39 percent were sexually harassed on a daily basis during the past year. The incidence of sexual harassment was slightly higher among girls between 13 and 16 years of age than among other age groups. Girls usually took action against harassers; two-thirds told the harasser to stop, and one-third resisted with physical force. Girls harassed by teachers and administrators were more likely to do nothing or walk away than those harassed by students. About 76 percent told at least one person about being sexually harassed. Another survey of the rate and effect of sexual harassment found that 85 percent of girls and 76 percent of boys reported unwanted sexual behavior. Educational and emotional consequences of sexual harassment were more severe for girls than for boys. Legal issues in fighting sexual harassment are discussed, particularly with respect to Title IX guidelines requiring schools that receive Federal funds to eliminate sex discrimination. Steps schools can take to prevent sexual harassment are described. 16 references