The initial findings from the first nationally representative survey on sexual harassment in schools reveal alarming rates of harassment among students. According to the survey, four out of five students in grades 8 through 11, including 76 percent of boys, report experiencing sexual harassment at school. Of the girls, 85 percent report being harassed at least once, with nearly one in three stating that they are frequently harassed. The study defines sexual harassment as unwanted and unwelcome sexual behavior that interferes with one’s life.
The survey asked students about various types of behavior, including physical contact, such as leering, making jokes, and being coerced into engaging in sexual activities other than kissing. The results, released last week, indicate that the psychological impact of harassment is more profound among girls. 70 percent of girls, compared to only 24 percent of boys, said that the experience made them very or somewhat upset. Additionally, a third of girls reported that harassment made them want to skip school, while only 12 percent of boys felt the same.
While male classmates are identified as the primary perpetrators of harassment by girls, a quarter of girls also reported being harassed by teachers or other school staff. African-American girls are more likely than their white and Hispanic counterparts to be bothered by school employees.
The survey, conducted by Louis Harris & Associates for the American Association of University Women Educational Foundation, involved 1,632 students and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.
This survey builds upon the foundation’s 1992 report, "How Schools Shortchange Girls," which highlighted gender bias and inequity in precollegiate education. Anne L. Bryant, executive director of the foundation, emphasizes the importance of this survey as it reveals the widespread occurrence of sexual harassment in schools. The high percentage of students who reported experiencing harassment, 81 percent, is particularly noteworthy. Bryant also expresses concern about the emotional and educational toll harassment takes on girls.
However, some experts urge caution in interpreting the survey findings. Eddie N. Williams, president of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, questions whether behaviors that might be considered normal adolescent exploration should be labeled as sexual harassment. Others are surprised by the high proportion of boys who report being harassed, challenging stereotypes about the victims. Despite this, experts agree that sexual harassment is a more significant issue for girls, with two-thirds of them reporting frequent or occasional harassment compared to 49 percent of boys. Further, 32 percent of girls admitted to speaking less in class after being harassed, while only 13 percent of boys reported the same. Nan D. Stein, who leads a project on sexual harassment in schools, believes that these findings demonstrate violations of Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sexual discrimination in schools receiving federal funds.
Overall, the survey highlights the prevalence of sexual harassment in schools and its negative impacts, particularly on girls. This information underscores the need for schools to address and prevent sexual harassment effectively.
Approximately 25% of girls and 10% of boys reported experiencing harassment from school employees. The survey highlighted that African-American girls were more likely to be targeted, with one-third of them reporting harassment compared to 25% of white girls and 17% of Hispanic girls. Ms. Bryant emphasized the need for strict policies prohibiting sexual harassment in schools. Surprisingly, only 26% of respondents confirmed their schools had such policies, while the majority (57%) were unsure.
To address this issue, the A.A.U.W. has distributed the survey, provided model school policies on sexual harassment, and proposed workshops for both adults and students to its 1,750 local branches. Interested parties can acquire copies of the survey, titled "Hostile Hallways," for $8.95 each if they are A.A.U.W. members, and $11.95 each for nonmembers, with an additional $4.00 for shipping. Requests can be made to the A.A.U.W. Sales Office at P.O. Box 251, Annapolis Junction, Md. 20701-0251, or by calling (800) 225-9998, extension 246.
