Teen Line originally published this post in May 2017. You can find the original post here.
Sexual harassment, misogyny, "slut shaming." The Making Caring Common Project out of Harvard University released new research this week about the disturbingly high rates of these behaviors in today's young people. Their national survey of 18 to 25-year-old "reports 87% percent of women reported having experienced at least one of the following during their lifetime: being catcalled (55%), touched without permission by a stranger (41%), insulted with sexualized words (e.g., slut, bitch, ho) by a man (47%), insulted with sexualized words by a woman (42%), having a stranger say something sexual to them (52%), and having a stranger tell them they were "hot" (61%). Yet 76% of respondents to this survey had never had a conversation with their parents about how to avoid sexually harassing others."
OOPS! What did we forget to teach our kids now? I truly believe most of us are trying our best as parents, but there are so many influences working against us. Social media, an oversexualized culture, 24/7 access to anything. We barely know how to handle all of this ourselves, let alone guide our teens. The good news is that this report reveals that our teens still want our guidance, even when it's awkward or uncomfortable.
This week, a friend's 11-year-old daughter revealed to her friend that she was being sexually harassed in one of her classes. That's right, eleven! Thankfully, she was able to talk to her mom, the school stepped in appropriately, and she learned that no one deserves to be harassed, sexually or otherwise. Sadly, her story is not uncommon.
Sexual education in schools often focuses on pregnancy, STI prevention, or abstinence. Love, respect, intimacy, or pleasure are generally not discussed in sex ed. Most of us don't talk about these things at home either for a variety of reasons. Maybe we can't handle seeing our children as sexual beings, maybe we do not feel like good relationship role models, or maybe we think someone else will teach them. Although, as a daughter's mother, Peggy Orenstein's book Girls and Sex: Navigating the Complex New Landscape terrified me, I agree we need to do better for our girls (and boys).
So how do we do better? First, by not beating ourselves up about what we haven't done and recognizing that teachable moments occur all the time. As Dr. Robyn Silverman says, "parenting is the ultimate do-over." A few other ideas:
Role model or talk about healthy relationships. How did you know someone was right (or wrong) for you? What you've learned along your journey? What characteristics have been important to you in relationships, be it trust, shared interests, or similar values?
Explore what consent means and doesn't (with your sons and daughters). Someone not fighting back doesn't mean consent. Sexual desire is a powerful force, but it can be controlled.
Be realistic about teens' exposure to drugs and alcohol. Without condoning it, make sure they are aware of how substances can further complicate sexual encounters and consent.
Set firm boundaries on what words are acceptable or not acceptable in your home (and outside). If we don't say anything when our 15-year-old boy or 16-year-old girl calls someone else a "slut," are we condoning their labeling? Instead of just telling them their words are unacceptable, make sure they know If they wouldn't say something racist or homophobic, why is "slut shaming" okay?
Develop scripts to handle uncomfortable situations. As adults, many of us end up doing undesirable things because it's hard to say no, and we are not always prepared with a good comeback. If it's hard for us, imagine how hard it is for them and give them tools.
Remind them that they (and people around them) are always changing and never just one-dimensional. Many teens still see the world as "black and white," which means people are "good" and "bad." Rarely is life that simple. Teach them to challenge their views of people and the labels they may have been given.
As hard as some of these conversations are, we can't afford the cost of not having them. Our teens need to hear from both sexes if we are ever change our current culture.
At Teen Line, we work to provide personal teen-to-teen education and support before problems become a crisis, using our national hotline and community outreach. Visit our Parents & Caregivers page for more resources and information to help you understand and support teens' mental health as well as promote overall well-being.
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