Sexual HARASSMENT-7TH Grade HPMS Ms. Harper, 7th Grade Counselor

What is Sexual Harassment? Unwanted or unwelcome attention of a sexual nature Demeaning, embarrassing Illegal Both males and females can be victims Unwanted Unwelcome Sexual nature Not just school policy: federal and state law, it’s ILLEGAL which interferes with a student’s right to learn, study, work, achieve, and participate in school activities in a comfortable and supportive atmosphere. Girls harass boys. Boys harass girls. 80% of females, 60% of males experience sexual harassment while in school [University of Florida].

Types of Sexual Harassment Verbal Harassment Visual Harassment Physical Harassment Types of Sexual Harassment *Verbal *Visual *Physical

What is Verbal Harassment? Conversations that are too personal Rating/commenting on someone’s body Jokes of a sexual nature Sexual suggestions, comments Making fun of someone’s sexual preference (Gay, Lesbian, Straight) Making negative comments about someone’s family member or friend who is gay Saying things like “That’s So Gay” Comments about body parts or rating someone’s body Continually asking someone out when they are not interested Sexual suggestions, threats Rumors Sexual jokes Conversations that are too personal Insulting comments about sexual orientation Name calling Both girls and boys ch10_image02heybaby.jpg [Computer Image]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://wguide.uchicago.edu/ 10sexharassment.html

What is Visual Harassment ? Obscene gestures Displaying obscene pictures Online-FaceTime, Skype, Snapchat Sexting- Permanent, Illegal, Staring or pointing at a person’s body in a way that is too personal (both girls and boys) Displaying obscene sexual material or placing it in someone’s locker or computer Writing a person’s name along with sexual remarks (inappropriate notes) or posting it on their page/account Making obscene gestures Sexting: Sending sexually explicit messages or photographs between cell phones Some teenagers who have texted photographs of themselves, or of their friends or partners, have been charged with distribution of child pornography. Those who have received the images have been charged with possession of child pornography. You forgot the easiest place to visually harass someone: online! Jurisdiction: it used to be that schools could not take action on incidents that occurred online outside of the school building, that is not necessarily true anymore. If it causes disruption or disturbance to the school day or to students. prog1.jpg [Computer Image]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.wgby.org/edu/flirt/fhmain.html Getty (n.d.). texting_1455781c.jpg [Computer Image]. Retrieved from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ uknews/5970094/Sexting-trend-of- explicit-photo-exchange-among-teenagers-charity-warns.html

What is Physical Harassment? Preventing someone from moving freely Kissing against his or her will Flagging/Pantsing Grabbing/touching “What kinds of physical harassment have you seen?” Grabbing or touching in a sexual way Tearing or pulling at a person’s clothing Purposely bumping or brushing against someone Kissing or holding a person against his/her will Preventing someone from moving freely Flagging (MUST mention this specifically) Any incident will be treated as a very serious violation . CLICK Cerebellum Corporation. (2010, February 18). Talking about sexual harassment [Video file]. Retrieved from YouTube .com on October 10, 2010.

Sexual Harassment vs. Flirting Equal, respectful Feel powerless Feel in control It also depends on: Frequency Relationship Are you good friends? Acquaintances? In a position of authority over the other person? Location School or work (person has no choice in where they are) Public place or private home (person has a choice in being there) Feels comfortable Intimidating, upsetting Illegal

Why is this information important to students? According to national study of teens and preteens in public schools: 80% of females and 60% of males experienced sexual harassment while in school-that’s a LOT of kids! You can get in BIG trouble at school for sexual harassment There is even a Federal Law to protect you and your rights in school when it comes to sexual harassment and discrimination, its called Title IV

So…if it’s happening to you: Please DO: *Tell the person that is bothering you that you don’t like it and you want it to stop. *Tell and adult who can help: teacher, counselor, administrator, parent, or other trusted adult Please DON’T *Ignore it *Hurt the person or react with violence