Citation

Chang YT, Hayter M, Lin ML. J. Sch. Nurs. 2010; 26(2): 147-155.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, National Association of School Nurses, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1059840509355585

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Sexual harassment is a significant issue in the lives of students. Understanding how young adolescents feel about sexual harassment and their coping strategies is a central element to guide school nursing interventions promoting sexual health. This study explored the sexual harassment experiences of young adolescents in Taiwan. A qualitative research design was employed using focus groups to collect data from 47 elementary students, 10 and 12 years of age. Three themes emerged from the data analysis: "experiences of physical harassment," "experiences of verbal harassment," and "coping with harassment." The potential for school nurses to influence students’ behavior, improve sexual health instruction, and create a healthy school environment is significant. School nurses should participate in sexual health education classes actively to advance the sexual health behaviors of school children.