Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Despite headlines that label all harassment among youth as bullying, there is in fact a difference between sexual harassment and bullying. This book discusses the similarities and important differences between the two, offering firsthand accounts from victims and others involved in combating the activities that victimize students. It provides parents, youth advocates, scout leaders, and other concerned adults with practical steps to partner with schools to prevent and intervene on the behaviors to help keep kids safe. The book clearly identifies the steps to take to hold schools accountable when a student has been harassed or bullied, even when the school is not stopping the behavior. Providing examples throughout the work, Strauss helps readers become better acquainted with the various activities that constitute sexual harassment and bullying and what they can do to combat the problem.
Synopsis
Bullying in schools is often discussed, but sexual harassment in schools, and how it differs from bullying is often overlooked. In fact, though, sexual harassment (committed both by fellow students and school personnel) is more common and yet more easily and quickly dismissed by those involved, though its consequences for the victim can be profound. This book provides parents, teachers, school officials, and others with a framework comparing and contrasting sexual harassment and bullying as they relate to the behavior, laws, and impact on children. The author describes the responsibility of the school district and how parents and other adults can navigate the schools' policies, barriers, and responsibilities. She argues that children should not be subjected to bullying OR sexual harassment, that it is the school's responsibility to make the harassment or bullying stop, and that parents and other caring adults often need to be involved and advocate for the child, even against resistance from those in the school system. Throughout the book the author uses examples of actual cases that have made it to the courts and have been precedent setting and cases in which she has been involved as an expert witness or as a consultant. Resources for readers are also provided at the end of the book.