Nina W.: Student-Generated Sexual Harassment in Secondary Schools. - book review

Adolescence, Winter, 2001

WETZEL, Roberta, & BROWN.

Nina W. Student-Generated Sexual Harassment in Secondary Schools. Westport, CT: Bergin & Garvey, 2000. l92pp. $49.95 (h).

Wetzel and Brown examine the extent to which student-to-student sexual harassment exists in secondary schools today. They provide evidence that student sexual harassment is not only currently wide-spread, it is also unconsciously and consciously condoned by school authorities who are charged with providing a safe and effective educational environment. After reviewing the state of sexual harassment in American high schools, the authors provide the best practices for increasing awareness of what behaviors constitute sexual harassment, as well as alert readers to the negative impact on both boys and girls, where sexual harassment is most likely to take place, and ways students can become more socially adept. A template for developing a school district policy is presented, as are strategies for education and dissemination. Practical and specific strategies for parents, teachers, and students are presented in detail.