Sexual harassment in schools is wide-spread. The third most common form of sexual harassment in school involves intentionally brushing up against someone in a sexual way-something girls experience far more often than boys. Students say they would be very upset if they were called gay or lesbian. Being called gay would be more upsetting to boys than actual physical abuse. Harassing others is a routine part of school culture-more so for boys than girls.
Public areas are the most common harassment sites-especially as reported by girls.
Students usually do not report incidents to adults. Boys are more likely than girls to tell no one. The numbers are very similar for those who say they do not want to talk as much in class after having experienced harassment.