A serious, but hidden, problem in our society – and many others – is sexual harassment of children. It results in pain, suffering and humiliation. Many do not acknowledge this problem. While others, who admit it, do not raise proper awareness among their children. In both cases, children are not educated about sexual harassment. So many children suffer silently. As clinical studies have shown, many victims of sexual harassment keep quiet about these events. Children and adolescents conceal these things because they feel afraid, ashamed, vulnerable, and humiliated. Accordingly, these incidents are often not revealed for many years, if ever revealed at all. It is important to teach children about this issue at an early age by showing them how to respect the boundaries of others and how to properly report inappropriate behaviors. Hence, the main question is: How parents and teachers can educate children about this sensitive issue? In the case of parents, it is important for them to know that sexual harassment of children and adolescents may take place at home. Relatives and friends could be the harassers. The first thing parents should do is talk to children. This cannot happen unless there is a good relationship between the parents and the children. Having clear discussion and encouraging children to share information is crucial. Parents should talk to children and spend time with them everyday. It is important to ask their children about their friends. This will help children to disclose any encounters of sexual harassment from someone at school and speak freely to their parents about it. The second thing parents can do to protect children from sexual harassment is to teach their children to be confident. It is important to teach children to stand up for themselves if they are confronted by someone who wants to harass them. They should know how to say no and when and how to seek help from an adult if necessary. However, children should be taught not to defend themselves physically unless they are in physical danger. Hence, they should be warned against the use of weapons or fighting since this may result in perceiving the victims as the aggressor. The third important thing for parents to do is to teach their children about the existence of sexual harassment. Many parents, as studies have shown, are not aware of the existence of this issue or if they know about it they tend not to educate their children about it overtly. Therefore, this subject must be discussed with children in order for them to be aware of it. Parents should use language that is clear, concise and appropriate when talking to their children about this issue. Children should know that it is the right of everyone to be in an environment that is free of such unwanted behavior. They also should be aware that sexual harassment can take many forms which children should know about: touching, grabbing, pinching, patting, overt or subtle sexual remarks, and derogatory jokes. If children know about these forms of sexual harassment, they will be aware of many things that might take place around them. They as a result will tell their parents if they experience unwanted sexual advances. In addition, it is important for parents to be aware of the symptoms of sexual abuse. These symptoms include: Withdrawal, a drop in grades, emotional outbursts, chronic anxiety, insomnia, fear of meeting some family members, fear of going to school, and signs of physical abuse. This will help parents to tell when something has changed and to discuss those changes with their children to find out what the problem is. – SG The writer can be reached at [email protected] __
