HEALTH MODULE How to Recognize and Stop Sexual Harassment |
THE WORKSHOP
What is Sexual Harassment? - Discussion
True/False Questions After creating a safe learning environment and introducing the workshop, ask the students to call out their response to the following true/false questions. After each response, comment briefly if appropriate.
1. Sexual harassment is a problem in this school.
2. Men/boys can be victims of sexual harassment.
3. If a girl/woman dresses or behaves in a sexy way, she is asking to be sexually harassed.
4. Sexual harassment can occur between people of the same sex.
5. Saying "NO" is usually enough to stop sexual harassment.
6. If sexual harassment occurs in the school between students, it is illegal and the school is responsible.
7. Most men/boys enjoy getting sexual attention.
8. One of the best ways to deal with sexual harassment is to ignore it.
Answers
1. Kids will answer for their own school - let them know that sexual harassment does occur at most middle and high schools.
2. True - Most often it is females who are the victims but it can go both ways.
3. False - Everyone has a right to express themselves through dress and behaviors. However, it is important to be aware of the responsibility for mixed messages that may be communicated.
4. True - It can happen male to male or female to female
5. False - Sometimes harassers don't think that Ano@ really means Ano.@
6. True - Every school has a sexual harassment policy to assure that students and staff are not subjected to harassment.
7. False - Many males are just as uncomfortable with unwanted sexual attention as females.
8. False - Ignoring sexual harassment only encourages it to continue. Taking action can be very effective at stopping it.
Ask: Can anyone define sexual harassment? Post the definition and the following three questions:
Sexual harassment: Any attention of a sexual nature that is unwanted.
If you are wondering if a behavior is sexual harassment, ask yourself:
1. POWER - Is someone exerting power over me?
2. UNWANTED - Is the behavior unwanted by me?
3. FEELINGS/EFFECT - Is the behavior producing negative feelings, affecting my school work or activities?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, it is sexual harassment and you can do something to stop it.
Ask: Why is sexual harassment a problem in our society?
Contributing factors:
1. Social norms encourage it (TV, movies, advertising, music, etc.)
2. Lack of clear communication (no means no, not yes or maybe)
3. Sex role stereotyping (stereotypes ignore the fact that we are all unique individuals)
4. Adult attitudes (adults excuse it as normal teenage behavior)
5. Lack of sexual harassment policy, procedure, and training
6. Lack of follow through
7. No consequences to harasser
8. The victim doesn't report it
This workshop will attempt to deal with these eight main reasons sexual harassment is a problem in our society.