Reports of sexual assault on children by other children are on the rise, and there are concerns about lack of official guidance, despite sexual harassment in schools being flagged as a problem by the Women and Equalities committee. We asked teachers, parents and students for their accounts of sexual harassment among students in their school.
Here are some of the responses:. My daughter was sexually harassed by a group of boys in her form. They cornered her in a classroom and started stroking her hair and arms, telling her they would go further next time. This was a regular act that a small group of boys would inflict on certain girls. She was very frightened and distressed and with the support of a friend decided to report it. The school was quick to act. An assembly was held to discuss the issue of unwanted touching and the boys apologised to her personally.
Following this, a large number of girls came up and thanked her because they had also been victims of similar behaviour from boys. My daughter felt empowered by speaking out. Parent, north of England. I have both heard about and experienced sexual harassment at my school. I had my breast grabbed by a boy in my year group. He did the same numerous times to a friend of mine, and he stuck his hand up the skirt of another girl I know.
He is renowned for doing that sort of thing to students, and not just to those in his year group but to older female students as well. Boys call girls slags, sluts, whores and bitches in the corridors. Boys always seem to be watching and talking about porn and sexual videos. Nothing has changed. Secondary school student. Tiger Teaching Individuals Gender Equality and Respect regularly comes across stories of sexual harassment perpetrated by students, targeted at young female teachers as well as young girls.
Our sessions look at tackling gender norms and stereotypes in primary and secondary schools, exploring the way women and girls are viewed in our culture, toxic masculinity, porn and consent. This is about a lack of education and awareness of the impact sexual harassment has. Natalie Bennett, programme coordinator, Tiger Bristol. He repeatedly asked her to be his girlfriend and if she said no he would hit her.
Likewise, if she refused his requests for a kiss he would force himself upon her. The school did nothing about this behaviour except seat them on different tables. Teacher, Midlands.
An incident of sexual assault happened at our school. We made sure that the girl was supported to report it, that her parents were informed and that we followed the school guidelines and procedures. I felt that the school dealt with it very badly. The girl was not treated as a victim, and the boy was protected from police intervention. The female student had such a hard time from other pupils following the incident that her parents removed her from the school. We should have at least asked for advice.
Teacher, east of England. Follow us on Twitter via GuardianTeach , like us on Facebook , and join the Guardian Teacher Network the latest articles direct to your inbox. Looking for a teaching job? Or perhaps you need to recruit school staff? Take a look at Guardian Jobs , the education specialist. Here are some of the responses: They cornered her in a classroom and starting stroking her arms My daughter was sexually harassed by a group of boys in her form.
Parent, north of England Boys call girls slags, sluts, whores and bitches in the corridors I have both heard about and experienced sexual harassment at my school. Teacher, east of England What more do you think could be done to tackle sexual harassment in schools? Send your thoughts to teachernetwork theguardian. Follow us on Twitter via GuardianTeach , like us on Facebook , and join the Guardian Teacher Network the latest articles direct to your inbox Looking for a teaching job?
Topics Teacher Network. Sexual harassment Schools features. Reuse this content. Most popular.