Avoid harassment and abuse at school
Flirting or good-natured joking between two learners can be fun, if both want it, however, sexual harassment is regarded as unwelcome or unwanted behaviour which makes you feel embarrassed, threatened, afraid, humiliated, angry or trapped.
Sexual harassment can happen anywhere, like in a classroom or on a playground.
Sexual violence usually happens in a quiet place when few people are around. Common places are the bathrooms, corridors, empty classrooms, empty offices or deserted parts of the school.
You are being sexually harassed if someone:
* Talks to you about sex when you don’t want them to.
* Touches, pinches or grabs parts of your body that you don’t want to be touched.
* Sends you sexual notes, messages or pictures.
* Writes rude graffiti about you or spreads sexual rumours about you.
* Makes sexual comments or jokes.
* Calls you rude names.
* Demands sex in return for a bribe.
If you are being harassed tell a teacher or other trusted adult at school. The teacher must inform your parents and if the abuser is a fellow learner, their parents must be informed as well.
If the abuser is a teacher, report the abuse to the Department of Basic Education’s hotline on 0800 202 933.
Information courtesy of the Department of Basic Education. – @CarmenBoksburg
