Swedish study finds peer sexual harassment starts in Grade 4
A doctoral thesis from the University of Gothenburg reveals that peer sexual harassment among Swedish students begins as early as Grade 4 and continues through lower secondary school.
Victimization rates rise then stabilize
Research tracking pupils annually from Grades 4 to 9 shows the proportion reporting victimization increases until Grade 7. After that point, the rate of reported incidents remains stable through the end of lower secondary school.
Perpetrators often have victim history
The thesis indicates that most students who sexually harass others have also experienced harassment themselves previously. Boys and girls were found to be equally likely to experience these unwanted sexual behaviors during the study period.
Mental health impacts are significant
Students who report being harassed show higher levels of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and school absence compared to their peers. These findings highlight a need for prevention measures before students reach Grade 4.
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