Over the past months, revelations about sexual harassment in the workplace have shocked society and sparked a movement for change. Unfortunately the classroom is not immune from incidents of harassment, says Chris Keates

No-one can have escaped the recent headlines about sexual harassment in the workplace which has become a high-profile issue nationally and internationally.

A light has been shone on the appalling nature of how some individuals abuse their power, with examples aplenty in the FTSE boardroom, the Hollywood cutting room and the House of Commons tea room.

Unfortunately the classroom is no exception.

Last year, NASUWT undertook a survey which exposed the scale of the harassment and sexual objectification being experienced by teachers.

One in five teachers said they had been sexually harassed at school by a colleague, manager, parent or pupil since becoming a teacher. Nearly a third of those had been subjected to unwanted touching, while two-thirds experienced inappropriate comments about their appearance or body.

Register now, read forever

Thank you for visiting SecEd and reading some of our content for professionals in secondary education. Register now for free to get unlimited access to all content.

What's included:

  • Unlimited access to news, best practice articles and podcast

  • New content and e-bulletins delivered straight to your inbox every Monday and Thursday

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here