Every girl deserves to feel safe, valued, and accepted. Take the Pledge to End Harassment and Bullying of Girls before Noon on Thursday, May 11.
At Girls Inc. we are energized and committed to the work necessary to advance girls’ rights.
It is our responsibility to make sure girls feel safe in school, at home, and in their communities.
Girls Inc. recently surveyed nearly 800 members including girls and alumnae, parents, staff, board members, and donors to determine the top challenges facing girls today.
Sixty-seven percent of respondents identified “Bullying, harassment, and sexual violence” as an issue of concern to them. We can’t ignore this.
Bullying and harassment is a problem that affects us all. Join us and sign our pledge to commit to standing up for girls, because with you in her corner, she will succeed.
DID YOU KNOW?
- High school girls are more likely to be electronically bullied than their male peers (22% and 10%, respectively). They are also more likely to be bullied on school property (25% and 16%).
- Latina and Black high school girls are less likely than their White peers to be the victim of electronic bullying (17%, 12%, and 26%, respectively.)
- Latina and Black girls are also less likely than their White peers to be bullied on school property (19%, 15%, and 30%, respectively.)
MYTHS & FACTS
MYTH: Sexual harassment has to involve touching or propositioning sexual activity.
FACT: Sexual harassment can take many forms.
Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. It can be verbal acts like name-calling, requests for sexual favors, sexual comments, jokes, gestures, images and graphics, graffiti, and other written statements or actions that may be physically threatening, harmful, humiliating.
Harassment can include the use of cell phones or the internet (“cyberbullying”). It does not matter whether the harasser intends to cause harm and harassment does not necessarily require repeated incidents.
Under Title IX, if the harassment is severe, persistent, or pervasive, schools have an obligation to do something about it so that the victim does not have to endure a “hostile learning environment.”
More Myths and Facts about bullying and harassment
HOW YOU CAN HELP END BULLYING AND HARASSMENT:
- Share what you will do to end bullying and harassment – download a Girls Inc. pledge (PDF)
- Value differences and treat others with respect
- Stand up for people who are bullied
- Understand why bullies bully
- Talk to teachers, parents, and community leaders about solutions
- Practice being a good role model and support others if they experience bullying or harassment
- Think before commenting on posts or forward messages
- Solve problems in a peaceful way
- Include those who are left out
- Talk to someone if you need help or assistance
RESOURCES:
Additional resources and information on bullying and harassment are available on the national Girls Inc. website.