Forty-eight percent of US middle and high school students suffered sexual harassment in the past school year, both in person and online, a national survey released today said.
And 87 per cent of those students said the experience had a negative impact on them, according to the survey of 1,965 students in grades seven through 12 conducted by the Association of American University Women (AAUW).
"Sexual harassment is part of everyday life in middle and high schools," said the 76-page report, which follows the Washington-based charity's previous investigation of bullying in schools.
"Sexually harassed students who took part in the AAUW survey reported having trouble studying, not wanting to go to school, and feeling sick to their stomach," it said. Some students stayed home from school. Others skipped classes, dropped after-school activities, took different routes to and from school, or changed schools altogether.
Yet only nine percent ever reported incidents to their teachers or guidance counsellors, said the report, which called upon educators to be more proactive in addressing the issue.