"Emphasize that since catcalling itself is the opposite of polite, there’s no need to smile, laugh, or engage in conversation with the harasser."
Catcalling and other forms of sexual harassment start much earlier than many people think: a recent study found that 1 in 10 girls have been catcalled before their 11th birthday and a recent study has found that 1 in 6 girls in elementary and secondary school have experienced sexual harassment. And while some people say that girls should just ignore catcalling, Dr. Andrea Bastiani Archibald, the Girl Scouts’ Developmental Psychologist, explains that it has detrimental effects on girls, often making them feel unsafe and ashamed of their bodies in public.
Such harassment also “kicks off a domino effect of girls engaging in self-objectifying — feeling overly concerned about how they look, comparing their bodies to those of other girls and women, and even judging other girls based on their looks." It can even affect girls' academic performance: studies show that girls perform less well on tests after being leered at by a male actor posing as a peer. Fortunately, parents can help forestall some of these effects by tackling catcalling and sexual harassment head-on. This article shares Dr. Archibald's top tips for parents on how to help protect and empower their daughters — and fight back against these sexist behaviors.
Although many parents think catcalling is a “grown-up topic,” the studies show that it’s happening to girls early — so it’s important to talk to them about it early too, especially since only 2% of girls tell their parents they’ve been catcalled or harassed. As a result, Archibald asserts, “it’s important to start the conversation early — think, third or fourth grade — to let your daughter know it’s a topic she should feel comfortable bringing to you.”
A great way to start the conversation is by “pointing it out on TV shows, in movies, and in real life. When you witness catcalling or other sexual intimidation (and sadly, you won’t have to look hard to find it), raise the interaction to your daughter and tell her why it was inappropriate and unacceptable.... Ask your daughter how she feels about the exchange in question, and whether anything like that has ever happened to her."
To help your daughter handle the situation if she does get catcalled or otherwise harassed, “arm her with what to say and do... Emphasize that since catcalling itself is the opposite of polite, there’s no need to smile, laugh, or engage in conversation with the harasser.” Instead, she should follow this rule of thumb: "If an adult is making her feel uncomfortable or acting inappropriately, she should get away from that person as soon as possible and immediately tell you or another caring adult about what happened."
It’s also critical that you let her know that “no girl or woman is ever ‘asking for’ or ‘doing anything to deserve’ an objectifying comment or threats... make sure she knows that unwanted attention in the form of prolonged stares, lewd comments, or touching of any kind without her express consent is never, ever her fault — and not something she should feel ashamed telling you or another adult about.”
Equally importantly, parents should tackle sexual harassment as a community issue: “If you have sons or other young men in your life, have conversations about catcalling and sexual harassment with them, too... [and] discuss ways that he can help fight back against the catcalling culture.” If catcalling and sexual harassment is an issue in your community, Archibald says that it's time to “take action... While we can’t flip a switch and create a harassment-free world for our girls, we do know that ignoring catcalling or laughing it off contributes to a culture where such behavior is seen as normal and even acceptable. Your daughter — and all of us — deserve better than that.”
To read more, visit the Girl Scouts website,or browse our recommendations of resources for girls and their parents below.
Resources To Talk About Sexual Harassment and Safety
Let's Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent, and Respect
Let's Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent, and Respect
It's important for kids to understand that bodies have boundaries, and that everyone has a right to their own personal space. Jayneen Sanders, an experienced early years educator, provides simple and familiar scenarios — from giving a hug to pushing to get to the front of a line — to illustrate how "body bubbles" surround everyone and how to figure out when and if it's okay to cross those boundaries. Throughout, she empowers kids to speak up if their body boundaries have been crossed. Notes at the end include suggestions for adults reading the book with kids to further the discussion, building an understanding of respect and consent that will serve them throughout their lives.
The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers
The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers
Sister Bear is friendly with strangers... maybe a little too friendly. But when Papa Bear tells her about all the scary strangers out there, Sister is scared silly and starts to think every stranger is a threat! So Mama Bear teaches Sister a lesson using literal bad apples, and includes some common-sense rules for when it's safe to interact with a stranger — and what to do if you feel you're at risk. This book provides preschoolers with some clear guidance about strangers and reinforces that the adults in your life will help you when you need it.
Stand Up for Yourself and Your Friends
Dealing with Bullies and Bossiness and Finding a Better Way
Stand Up for Yourself and Your Friends
Dealing with Bullies and Bossiness and Finding a Better Way
This book from the American Girl Library is a great starting point for tweens looking for tips on how to be assertive, even in tough situations. Rather than telling girls that there is a “right” way to handle a problem, this book gives a variety of different options, from ignoring taunts to comebacks to involving adults, as well as advice as to how to decide which strategy to use. While the majority of this book is focused on dealing with social struggles, the confidence it provides will help girls stand up to inappropriate behavior directed at themselves or others.
Maybe He Just Likes You
Maybe He Just Likes You
When Mila wears a fuzzy green sweater to school one day, and suddenly, several boys insist on hugging her, even when she doesn't want to. Before long, there are smirks, comments about her body, and more unwanted touching that leaves Mila feeling confused, frustrated, and a little scared. But when she talks to her friends about it, one tells her that she's being immature for overreacting to the boys "just flirting" – after all, she says, maybe he just likes you. Fortunately, a few new friends and a confidence boost from karate classes help her figure out how to set boundaries, stand up for herself, and seek out the adult support she needs to put an end to the harassment. Timely and important, this empowering book draws a clear line between wanted, reciprocal flirtation and Mila's experience, and explores issues of sexual harassment in a manner relatable to middle grade readers.
How to Be a Girl in the World
How to Be a Girl in the World
12-year-old Lydia is tired of the boys at her Catholic school trying to find ways to look up her skirt and her mother's boyfriend, Jeremy, makes excuses to touch her. She can't help but wonder if she's not normal, since other girls seem to enjoy the attention they get from boys and men. When her mother buys a fixer-upper in their neighborhood, Lydia is excited, especially since Mom hasn't told Jeremy about the house yet. When she finds a "spell book" in the house, Lydia thinks that might be the solution: a little magic to keep her safe. Instead, it's the support she gets from her cousin, Emma, and a rekindled friendship with former BFF Miriam that gives her the strength she needs to make her voice heard. Timely and poignant, this story explores issues of consent and sexual harassment, as well as the power of finding your voice with the help of caring friends.
Express Yourself
A Teen Girl's Guide to Speaking Up and Being Who You Are
Express Yourself
A Teen Girl's Guide to Speaking Up and Being Who You Are
In an effort to be “likeable” and “nice”, many teen girls feel pressured to avoid speaking their mind or asserting their opinion — they may even fear being labeled “bossy” or “pushy” if they’re too outspoken. This book is designed to help teens remember they have a right to be heard — and find the confidence to speak up! Written in an accessible and friendly tone, with individual chapters tackling common situations like family conflict, digital drama, and romantic relationships, this guide by psychotherapist Emily Roberts draws on techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy to teach your teen how to express her opinion, stand up for herself in any situation, and boost her self-esteem and confidence.
Body Safety Education
A Parents' Guide to Protecting Kids from Sexual Abuse
Body Safety Education
A Parents' Guide to Protecting Kids from Sexual Abuse
This book is a step-by-step guide to help parents and educators keep kids safe from sexual abuse! With Body Safety Education, adults who live or work with children will learn how to teach them about important concepts like bodily autonomy, privacy, and inappropriate touch. They'll also learn how to spot signs of problems, like how an adult may try to groom a child. At the same time, kids are empowered by learning that "I am the boss of me," setting them up for ongoing assertiveness and confidence! With age appropriate language and simple, easily conveyed lessons, this book helps give children a thorough grounding in keep their bodies safe.
Protecting The Gift
Keeping Children and Teenagers Safe (and Parents Sane)
Protecting The Gift
Keeping Children and Teenagers Safe (and Parents Sane)
Parents want to keep their kids safe, but you can't keep kids in a bubble — so how do you know what safety skills to teach at every age and stage? Gavin de Becker, author of the bestseller The Gift of Fear, provides practical guidance to ensuring kids are safe at every age, while still having an appropriate level of freedom... and without making them scared of the world beyond their doorsteps. From knowing what to ask child care professionals before you hire them, to teaching kids what to do if they get lost in a public place, to preparing your teen for increasing independence, the recommendations in this book will reassure parents and empower kids.
Fight Like A Girl...And Win
Defense Decisions for Women
Fight Like A Girl...And Win
Defense Decisions for Women
Women are always aware of the high rates of gender-based violence, but no woman should feel afraid as she lives her life. However, with a little advance preparation, teen and adult women can learn how to defend themselves — often without even throwing a punch. Martial arts black belt Lori Hartman Gervasi lays out important truths about the decisions you make before you're in physical danger that can set the stage for a safe resolution, from setting boundaries to knowing what you'll say in an uncomfortable situation to choosing to learn more physical defense skills you could use if necessary.
Why Does He Do That?
Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men
Why Does He Do That?
Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men
"He doesn't mean to hurt me — he just loses control." "He can be sweet and gentle." "He's scared me a few times, but he never hurts the children — he's a great father..." Women in abusive relationships tell themselves these things every day. Now they can see inside the minds of angry and controlling men — and change their own lives. In this groundbreaking book, Lundy Bancroft, a counselor who specializes in working with abusive men, uses his thirty years of experience to break down the early warning signs of abuse, ten abusive personality types, what you can fix and what you can't fix in a relationship, and how to get out of an abusive relationship safely. This powerful book is an invaluable resource to help women better understand the thinking of abusive men, recognize when they are being controlled or devalued, and find ways to get free of an abusive relationship.
