THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, June 23, 1995 TAG: 9506230026
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E12 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TEENA K. WISE, HIGH SCHOOL CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 80 lines
HERE WE ARE midway through the '90s, and teenagers are leading more stressful lives than ever. One of the more serious problems we face is sexual harassment, although you wouldn't know it by listening to conversations in high school lunch rooms. That's because sexual harassment is rarely reported and many teenagers don't even know what it is.
``Sexual harassment encompasses a range of behavior from inappropriate comments to sexual assault,'' said Julie L. Dodd, director of the Women's Center at Old Dominion University. ``Sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination that includes unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature.''
It can sometimes be difficult to differentiate between sexual harassment and flirting, Dodd said.
``One sure way to know if sexual harassment is occurring is if a power differential is involved,'' she added.
For example, you ask a teacher for help after class and instead of focusing on the work, the teacher asks you personal questions such as, ``Who are you dating?'' That could be considered sexual harassment if it is not an isolated incident. According to the law, sexual harassment is marked by repeated comments or repeated behavior over time.
It can be difficult to prove. And Dodd said that teenagers should know that sexual harassment can come from a complete stranger or a trusted friend.
``It is harder to identify when you think you are buddies with someone; you think they would never hurt you,'' said Dodd. ``In a bar scene, sexual harassment is almost expected, but in a classroom, it is inappropriate.''
I asked a couple of guys in my high school about sexual harassment, and their answers underline some of the misunderstandings surrounding this issue.
``I don't think any guy would consider come-on's as sexual harassment like girls do,'' said Chris, a senior. ``Unless it is violent, most guys consider it as playing around. Girls are like, `Oh my God, it is sexual harassment.' ''
Jason, also a senior, had similar opinions. ``Girls take things too seriously; they are ridiculous,'' he said. ``Every little thing a guy says they want to sue; those who really get harassed get nothing.''
According to Dodd, sexual harassment usually goes unnoticed or unreported.
``Many teens do not report sexual harassment because they feel as if it is their fault,'' Dodd said. ``This feeling of guilt leads them to have a lower self-esteem and possible depression. The most important thing a teenager can do is to talk to someone they can trust, such as a parent, counselor or teacher.''
Unfortunately, Dodd said, there are no local support groups for victims of sexual harassment. But sexual harassment can have long-term effects, depending on the context and severity of the action. The most common effect is depression - teens begin to feel differently toward themselves; they feel they are to blame and that somehow they encouraged this action. They, in turn, feel ashamed and used.
Although sexual harassment is not often reported, most area schools have a sexual harassment policy. Although students seem largely unaware of these policies, punishment encompasses anything from detention to expulsion, depending on the severity of the harassment.
Still, it is difficult to determine how many students are actually punished under such policies.
``Our school does not keep records of why a student is punished, so it is difficult to establish whether a student has been punished for sexual harassment,'' said Joseph Pociask, an assistant principal at Wilson High.
From experience, I can say that sexual harassment is often spoken of and made the butt of ridicule. Schools do not educate students on this subject. Many students are not really sure of the exact definition of sexual harassment, so they do not realize when it actually happens to them.
Schools should not only offer more education in this area but they also should make the rules well-known. And if necessary, they should provide support for victims of sexual harassment.
We need to make these policies more public. The school systems should put students on notice that bad behavior of any sexual nature will not be tolerated under any circumstances. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Teena Wise is a 1995 Wilson High graduate.
by CNB