I ended up moderating a discussion amongst several of my son's teen friends who are girls about "what to do" in several harassment and what-if scenarios.
The starting question was a teen working in a hardware store, and a customer buddy of the boss was making overt sexual comments, and trying to get her into the back of the store to "Show him were something was." She had so far been able to fob him off, but was uncomfortable.
We went through several options for her, including putting in her notice, and went on to other questions the group had: scenarios in school, boyfriend pressure, walking safety, and so on. They were all astonished to find out that their moms had issues with pushy, weird guys, too, even now as moms!
So, I do agree with you about teaching precautions, and "what would you do in this situation?" thinking. I also have taught Health class, the Sex Ed unit in the past to junior high and high school students, and I can say with authority that the misinformation and ignorance out there (on both sides) is HUGE.
"My dad says girls always say 'No' before they say yes, and my brothers say that too."
"If a girl dresses sexy, she's telling me 'Yes' but says 'No' because she doesn't want to sound dirty."
Simple conversations across the room with girls, or from me quickly addresses those misconceptions. And the boys weren't being defiant or snarky; they were really stating what they'd heard or absorbed from family and peers.
And again, education and open dialog to address these gaps in knowledge and experience are key.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2012-06-19 05:01 pm (UTC)The starting question was a teen working in a hardware store, and a customer buddy of the boss was making overt sexual comments, and trying to get her into the back of the store to "Show him were something was." She had so far been able to fob him off, but was uncomfortable.
We went through several options for her, including putting in her notice, and went on to other questions the group had: scenarios in school, boyfriend pressure, walking safety, and so on. They were all astonished to find out that their moms had issues with pushy, weird guys, too, even now as moms!
So, I do agree with you about teaching precautions, and "what would you do in this situation?" thinking. I also have taught Health class, the Sex Ed unit in the past to junior high and high school students, and I can say with authority that the misinformation and ignorance out there (on both sides) is HUGE.
"My dad says girls always say 'No' before they say yes, and my brothers say that too."
"If a girl dresses sexy, she's telling me 'Yes' but says 'No' because she doesn't want to sound dirty."
Simple conversations across the room with girls, or from me quickly addresses those misconceptions. And the boys weren't being defiant or snarky; they were really stating what they'd heard or absorbed from family and peers.
And again, education and open dialog to address these gaps in knowledge and experience are key.