Sexual harassment in schools and other educational settings is completely unacceptable, but as this report proves is considered normal by a majority of pupils. Schools are places where young people should feel safe and be able to concentrate on reaching their learning potential, not feeling stressed, violated and upset due to unwanted sexual attention. The report shows that a majority of girls have personal experience of sexual harassment in schools, that homophobic bullying is prevalent and that what happens outside school (especially online) is a major contributor to this. The impact of sexual harassment can be devastating for young people, it normalises behaviour which becomes prevalent in wider society, and is clearly contributing to sexual harassment of women throughout their lives. Frankly, it has to stop if we are serious about gender equality in Wales.

“I am glad that Welsh Government is acknowledging the severity and gravity of the problem, and we are now in discussions with the Minister on how we can work together to tackle the issue. With appropriate effort and resource, change can happen. However, Welsh Government must move quickly and decisively.

“Schools themselves MUST be proactive in creating their own harassment free cultures and take immediate action to protect girls. It is unacceptable that pupils report that sexual harassment has become normalize and that too often teachers trivialize the issue. They need to educate staff so that they fully understand what sexual harassment is and ensure there are easy and safe ways for girls to report their experiences.”

“More broadly, there is also a need for the national curriculum to encourage conversations about respect and consent from an early age. Perpetrators of sexual harassment in schools need to receive a very clear message that their behaviour is not acceptable. For instance, catcalling which can be seen by some as harmless, if allowed to happen, has been proven to escalates into crimes such as rape.