Dear Whitedove,

Yes, this is sexual harassment. Any kind of sexual language, gestures, or hostile sexual teasing and advances that makes someone feel uncomfortable, is sexual harassment.

The most common form of sexual harassment is called hostile environment, when someone keeps doing something to make your home, your school, or your work a difficult place to be. The sexual comments, remarks, jokes and the inappropriate touching that is making you feel uncomfortable are examples of this type of sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment is illegal! Usually, it can be stopped without having to take legal action, but if he continues the harassment, you can consider prosecuting him. The best way to deal with sexual harassment is to let this guy know that his actions are upsetting you by telling him about it. It takes a lot of courage to stop the harassment yourself, so you can ask a friend or an adult to support you and be a witness.

You can also tell someone about it, like a school counselor, your parents, or if necessary, the police. School officials are legally responsible to take action about your complaint.

Remember, it is your right to have the harassment stop immediately.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.