Why this is an issue?
Young girls are often subjected to daily sexual harassment and instances of sexual violence at school. The dominance of social media has caused an increase in online sexual peer pressure and assault. According to an article featured in the Washington Post (Oct 2017), "Incidents like these often go under- reported but the fact is that misogyny and sexual harassment are stunningly common in young people's lives."
According to national statistics, females ages 16-19 are four times more likely than the general population to be victims of sexual assault.
Young girls are often subjected to daily sexual harassment and instances of sexual violence at school. The dominance of social media has caused an increase in online sexual peer pressure and assault. According to an article featured in the Washington Post (Oct 2017), "Incidents like these often go under- reported but the fact is that misogyny and sexual harassment are stunningly common in young people's lives."
According to national statistics, females ages 16-19 are four times more likely than the general population to be victims of sexual assault.
What is sexual assault?
Sexual assault is when a person is pressured or forced into unwanted sexual contact without consenting to it.
A person can’t give consent if the person:
Sexual assault can happen between two people who are in a romantic relationship. It can also happen between acquaintances or between strangers. It can happen when the victim is alert and rational or no longer wants the sexual contact. Both boys and girls can be victims of violence, including sexual assault. (source: raisingchildren.net)
Sexual assault is when a person is pressured or forced into unwanted sexual contact without consenting to it.
A person can’t give consent if the person:
- is threatened, verbally coerced or physically forced (sexual peer pressure)
- is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
- doesn’t understand the consequences of sexual contact
- is under the legal age for sexual consent
- is unconscious, semiconscious or irrational
Sexual assault can happen between two people who are in a romantic relationship. It can also happen between acquaintances or between strangers. It can happen when the victim is alert and rational or no longer wants the sexual contact. Both boys and girls can be victims of violence, including sexual assault. (source: raisingchildren.net)
How common is teen sexual assault?
- Teen sexual assault is very common
- One in four teen girls was verbally or physically pressured into having sex during the past year. (Archives of Pediatric Medicine)
- One in 10 high school girls and one in 20 high school boys reported being forced into sex. (Journal of Adolescent Health)
- More than one third of acquaintance rape victims are between the ages of 14 and 17. (I Never Called it Rape-Harper & Row Publishers)
- Almost 20% of college women reported experiencing sexual assault on campus. (Journal of American College Health)
The influence of social media (internet) with teen sexual assault
Cell phones and social networking sites such as Twitter, FaceBook, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat can contribute towards teens experiencing sexual peer pressure, assault, as well as bullying. Online sexual predators often pretend to be someone they are not and trick teens into meeting them in person which increasing the chance for sexual assault or even kidnapping. Sometimes perpetrators post videos of teen's sexual assault online for others to see.
Cell phones and social networking sites such as Twitter, FaceBook, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat can contribute towards teens experiencing sexual peer pressure, assault, as well as bullying. Online sexual predators often pretend to be someone they are not and trick teens into meeting them in person which increasing the chance for sexual assault or even kidnapping. Sometimes perpetrators post videos of teen's sexual assault online for others to see.
Teen Dating Violence
- According to dating violence statistics from the Bureau of Justice, about one in three high school age students have been involved with or in a relationship with someone who is abusive. There are about 40 percent of all teen girls ages 14 to 17 who admit they know someone their age, who have been hit, beaten or violently attacked by a boyfriend. One recent study indicated that about 30 to 50 percent of female high school students have reported having been the victim of teen dating violence.
- 42.2% of female rape victims were first raped before the age of 18. Teenagers account for 51% of all reported sexual abuse.
Low Self-Esteem, Lack of Role Models
“Teens growing up today encounter many common sources of stress, including social, psychological, and societal pressures. As they transition from childhood to adulthood, face increasing responsibilities and decisions that can both be empowering, but also provoke much anxiety. Depending on their circumstances, some teens may be better equipped to deal with these stresses than others. That’s why both positive peer support and adult role models are very important around this age.”
Peer Pressure is the second top cause of teen stress and pressure: “All people naturally want to fit in and be liked by others, but adolescents feel this pressure intensely. Negative peer pressure includes pressure to use alcohol and drugs, participate in sexual acts, or engage in risky behaviors.”
source: https://yourdream.liveyourdream.org/2018/08/top-6-causes-of-teen-stress-and-pressure/
“Teens growing up today encounter many common sources of stress, including social, psychological, and societal pressures. As they transition from childhood to adulthood, face increasing responsibilities and decisions that can both be empowering, but also provoke much anxiety. Depending on their circumstances, some teens may be better equipped to deal with these stresses than others. That’s why both positive peer support and adult role models are very important around this age.”
Peer Pressure is the second top cause of teen stress and pressure: “All people naturally want to fit in and be liked by others, but adolescents feel this pressure intensely. Negative peer pressure includes pressure to use alcohol and drugs, participate in sexual acts, or engage in risky behaviors.”
source: https://yourdream.liveyourdream.org/2018/08/top-6-causes-of-teen-stress-and-pressure/
Copyright 2019*Amani J. Ward* All Rights Reserved
