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Sexually harassed at school

At school there are lots of boys that think that it is cool to touch other girls.
Some boys walk past me and think it's okay to touch my breasts or put their hand up my skirt. It's quite upsetting and it's surprising that some girls just giggle and seem to even like it!
But when they do it to me I feel really uncomfterable about it and so I told my parents and they told me that it was the right thing to do to tell them and that I should tell somebody at school. But I'm scared to because my friend told a teacher  before and the boys were then horrible to her and some of the girls just said " It's only a bit of fun" and she got called frigid and was really upset.
I don't really know what to do , and it's not just a small amount of boys, but there are loads that do itTthose boys really need to be stopped and I am probabally speaking for lots of other girls that, although it is only little things, also don't like it but pretend to like it to try and be popular.
Thanks
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Sam

Hi,

Thank you for getting in touch and letting me know what’s been going on.

Firstly, it is really important for you to know that it is not okay for anyone to touch you. I can hear how upsetting this is for you and the way these boys are behaving is not acceptable. No one ever has the right to touch you or make you feel uncomfortable. Touching someone in an inappropriate way is sexual harassment. This behaviour needs to be reported to help make it stop. None of this is your fault and as the boys are also doing this to other girls, it sounds like it will continue until someone puts a stop to it.

You were really brave to tell your parents about what’s happening, that really was the right thing to do. It sounds like your parents were encouraging you to tell a teacher, perhaps you could ask them to help you to do this, or speak to your head of year. You may also like to think about keeping a diary which you could use to record what is happening. You could also report this to the police, this is up to you, and if you decide to report this a record of events, like a diary, would be really useful for whoever you decide to report it to.

It is understandable that you feel scared, what is happening to you is wrong but you have done nothing wrong and have the right to feel happy and safe at school. You should not have to put up with this any longer or pretend you like it just to fit in .To find out more about sexual abuse go to the explore section of the ChildLine website.

If you would like to talk more about this with a ChildLine counsellor, you can do this by calling the free helpline 0800 1111, or logging in for a 1-2-1 chat. They will be happy to help you talk through your feelings.  Also, just to let you know that if ever you feel unsafe you can call 999 for emergency help.

Well done for having the courage to tell someone about this

Take care,

Sam

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