Sexual Harassment and School Safety

Under the leadership of Dr. David Wolfe, CAMH's Centre for Prevention Science surveyed 1819 Grade 9 and 11 students in rural and city schools between 2004 and 2007 to measure both the victimization and perpetration of harassment and bullying and overall school safety. The recently released report conducted at 23 schools in Southwestern Ontario shows some cause for concern.

When surveyed on sexual pressures, four percent of males in grade 11 admitted trying to force someone to have sex with them, while 10 percent of males and 27 percent of females admitted being pressured into doing something sexual that they did not want to. Not surprisingly, the data shows that girls are feeling this pressure more than boys, with 15 percent reporting that they had oral sex just to avoid having intercourse.

The survey also revealed the following:

• In terms of sexual harassment in school, girls were much more likely to report having received sexual comments, unwanted looks or touches, and having parts of their body commented on or rated.
• In contrast, boys were much more likely to report being called homophobic insults (such as "gay" or "fag") than girls (e.g., "lezzie," "dyke").
• This pattern of homophobic insults continued mostly unchanged from grade 9 (34 percent) to grade 11 (30 percent) for boys, but declined by almost half for girls, from 22 percent to 12 percent.
• Sixteen percent of girls and 32 percent of boys reported being physically harmed (on or off school property)
• Ten percent of girls and 25 percent of boys admit to being the perpetrators of such violence.
• In a trend that has emerged with the widespread use of the web and social networking sites, 12 percent of males and 14 percent of females reported being harassed over the Internet.

Based on these and previous findings, this report points out that there is ample evidence to conclude that harassment and abuse are occurring at high rates among high school students. Although many of these behaviours are not as visible or extreme as other forms of violence, these acts of "everyday violence" are likely to have significant impact on the lives of youth. While some of these behaviours show a decline over the course of adolescence (such as hitting others), it is clear that students worry about their safety throughout high school.

On a positive note, the researchers emphasize that many school boards across the province are listening more to students and responding to their concerns. Schools are playing a more active role in violence prevention and promoting healthy relationships by implementing innovative school-based programs and curricula as well as involving community professionals. Students, parents and staff have to be partners in ensuring school safety. It's never too early to start - many of these negative patterns begin in elementary school, and the long-term solution will involve education that teaches positive relationship skills and respect for others.

For more information, including a copy of the report, visit  Sexual harassment and school safety: How safe do students feel?

In response to this report, and other related information from other organizations, the Ontario government is reengaging its Safe Schools Action Team to combat harassment and

violence in schools. Visit  Ontario Ministry of Education - Preventing Violence And Harassment In Schools

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