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In this climate, every day there are more emerging stories of alleged sexual harassment, abuse and misconduct across various industries. In addition to the workplace, these allegations are forcing all of us, even parents of younger children, to pause, reflect and readdress this critically important topic, regardless of their age. Here are five tips to help you break the ice and talk about sexual harassment with your children.
- No means no…the first time and anytime.
- Reinforce boundaries within relationships — intimate, professional and personal. That power is not about dominating another person or threatening them for personal gain.
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No one, not their parents, friends, or doctors can touch them without their permission. If someone does touch them, they should speak up and tell an adult.
- Ask them, “Have I done my job in teaching you and modeling for you what is acceptable and what is not acceptable in terms of how you should always treat someone (whether male or female) in every aspect of your life?”
- It doesn’t matter who you are and what power you possess, harassment as well as taking advantage of anyone in the workplace is not acceptable.
