Sexual Harassment

Sometimes it can be hard to tell whether something is just awkward, disrespectful, or sexual harassment. If someone's words, actions, messages, or behavior make you feel uncomfortable, pressured, unsafe, or disrespected in a sexual way, it's important to take those feelings seriously. Trust your instincts, prioritize your safety, and reach out for support when something doesn't feel right.

What Is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is any unwanted sexual behavior that makes someone feel uncomfortable, intimidated, embarrassed, or unsafe. It can happen in person, online, at school, at work, during activities, or even among friends.

Examples can include:

Unwanted comments about your body or appearance
Sexual jokes or repeated teasing
Sharing sexual rumors
Unwanted touching, hugging, or physical contact
Sending unwanted sexual messages, photos, or videos
Pressuring someone for dates, pictures, or sexual activity
Repeatedly ignoring someone's boundaries

No matter who is doing it, sexual harassment is not okay.

Trust Your Feelings

A lot of teens wonder:

"Am I overreacting?"
"Maybe they were just joking."
"I don't want to get anyone in trouble."

If something makes you uncomfortable, confused, or unsafe, those feelings matter. Just because someone says they were "kidding" doesn't mean their behavior was okay. Your boundaries should be respected.

What Can You Do?

1. Set a Clear Boundary

If you feel safe doing so, be direct.

You might say:

"Don't talk to me like that."
"That's not okay with me."
"Stop."
"I don't want those messages."

Being assertive is not being rude. It's respecting yourself and communicating your limits.

2. Save Evidence

If harassment happens online or through text messages:

Take screenshots
Save emails or messages
Write down what happened, when it happened, and who was involved
Keeping records can be helpful if you decide to report the behavior.

3. Tell a Trusted Adult

You do not have to handle this alone.

Consider talking with:

A parent or caregiver
A teacher
A school counselor
A coach
A youth leader
Another trusted adult

Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

4. Focus on Your Safety

If you ever feel threatened or unsafe:

Move to a safe place
Stay around people you trust
Avoid being alone with the person when possible
Contact a trusted adult immediately

Creating a safety plan before you need one can help you feel more prepared and in control.

If It Happens to a Friend

If a friend tells you they're experiencing sexual harassment:

Listen without judging
Believe what they're telling you
Ask how you can support them
Encourage them to talk with a trusted adult
Speak up if someone's safety is at risk

You do not need to solve the problem by yourself. Helping connect a friend to support can make a huge difference.

Remember This

Sexual harassment is not your fault.

Everyone should be treated with respect and have their boundaries honored. Get support if someone crosses those boundaries. If something doesn't feel right, trust yourself. Ask for help. There are people who care about you and want to help you stay safe and feel heard.