Study says nearly half of middle and high school students have been sexually harassed

From The New York Times: A study says that nearly half of 7th to 12th graders experienced sexual harassment in the last school year, and 87 percent of those who have been harassed reported negative effects such as absenteeism, poor sleep and stomachaches. The survey of a nationally representative group of 1,965 students by the American Association of University Women defined harassment as “unwelcome sexual behavior that takes place in person or electronically.” Over all, girls reported being harassed more than boys — 56 percent compared with 40 percent — though it was evenly divided during middle school. Boys were more likely to be the harassers, according to the study, and children from lower-income families reported more severe effects.