Sexual Harassment and Bullying: A Guide to Keeping Kids Safe and Holding Schools Accountable - Hardcover

Strauss, Susan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1442201622 ISBN 13: 9781442201620

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2011

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.

About this title

About the Author

Susan Strauss RN Ed.D., is a harassment and bullying consultant, trainer, and speaker for schools and workplaces. She is an expert witness for school (Title IX) and workplace (Title VII) sexual harassment lawsuits. Susan consults with clients in the development of harassment and bullying policies, investigates complaints of harassment and bullying, and counsels repeat offenders to diminish the misconduct and create a more respectful and discriminatory free work and school environment. Her publications include Sexual Harassment and Teens: A Program for Positive Change, and numerous journal articles, book chapters, curricula, and other works focused on sexual harassment and bullying in schools and at work. She is an adjunct faculty at DeVry University and University of Phoenix.

Reviews

Being bullied or harassed is a common fear of schoolchildren, but recently, the use of social media and the suicides of children who have been severely harassed have heightened the concern of parents and educators. Strauss draws on her experiences as consultant, former high-school teacher, and parent of a child who was sexually harassed to advise parents, teachers, and other adults on how to protect children. She begins by clearly defining bullying and sexual harassment and advising how to avoid overreacting to innocent curiosity. Strauss offers a particular focus on the kind of harassment of gay, bisexual, and transgendered students that has led to suicide in several cases, highlighting warning signs for distress in children who are harassed. She devotes a separate chapter to examining how social media, including MySpace and Facebook, have ramped up bullying and harassment. Finally, she examines laws and school policies regarding harassment and provides sound advice on how parents can hold schools accountable for misbehavior and protect their children. Strauss includes a guide for online and other contact information for helpful resources. --Vanessa Bush

Edition details

• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1442201622
• ISBN 13: 9781442201620
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 208