Photo Credit: SrdjanPav
With summer just around the corner, teens are already starting to make their summer plans. For many of them, they may be applying for their first job. For employers who hire teens, this is an opportunity to begin preparing for their new employees and their needs. With limited life and work experience, teens are at a disadvantage when they’re faced with (or even exhibiting) problematic behaviors. It’s up to the adults in the room to demonstrate appropriate workplace behaviors and provide resources to them to navigate difficult situations. Workplace sexual misconduct can be difficult for teens to understand and navigate without guidance. That is why, in this week’s blog, we will be discussing some methods to help protect teens at summer jobs from sexual misconduct.
Sexual violence in the workplace is a major discussion within the #MeToo movement, and with teens representing an increasing part of the workforce, there are special considerations that need to be made. Inc. reports that:
“Around 25 percent of working adolescents are subjected to unwanted comments, advances, or assault while on the job, with some victims as young as 14. One study the paper cited said only about half of teenagers involved in those aggressions report them to a supervisor.”
These teens may not recognize that this behavior is wrong, get told it’s “part of the job,” or may fear retaliation or loss of employment if they report it. In the past, we have written about protecting minors from exploitation at summer jobs, how employers can support teenage employees experiencing dating violence, and the ways employers can aid teenagers who are victims of workplace stalking. We will continue to discuss how the adults in the workforce can bridge the gap of understanding with their teen colleagues because we believe everyone deserves equal access to safety and respect. Before they begin working on the job, employers can meet teens where they are and provide resources and materials to prevent sexual misconduct. Below are some of our recommendations.
Collaborate with RALIANCE Grantee Right To Be
RALIANCE has been proud to support a variety of organizations through our grant program that focus on transforming work environments into spaces safe from sexual harm. Right To Be is one of those programs. Right To Be offers customized bystander training experiences to employers interested in sexual violence prevention. It is the collective responsibility of a workplace to ensure safety, which is why it is crucial to empower teens to be proactive when they witness or hear about workplace sexual harassment or assault. When teens are given the tools for how to intervene and how to be an ally to colleagues who are harmed, it creates a culture where sexual violence is unacceptable and preventable.
Educate About the Legal Ramifications of Sexual Misconduct Through Youth@Work Materials
Harassing speech and physical actions are so normalized in our culture that teens may not recognize that they may be illegal. The Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) created Youth@Work, a website for youth in the workforce meant to, “eliminate illegal discrimination from the workplace for all workers.” Several materials, including a video series and video student manual could be useful for facilitating these conversations. The University of Washington’s Occupational Safety and Health Continuing Education program further adapted and incorporated the EEOC Youth@Work materials into their Talking Safety curriculum, also available for public use. Here is the portion of their curriculum dedicated to sexual harassment.
Partner with Love is Respect for Dating Curriculum Materials
Along with entering the workforce for the first time, teen employees may also be entering the dating world. The lack of experience might lead to sexual harm in this area of their lives as well, and this will impact the workspace. Whether it’s teen employees dating each other, teen partners harassing teen employees while at work, or teen work performance being impacted by harm experienced outside of office hours, teen dating violence is a workplace issue. To prevent teen dating violence, teens need to be able to recognize the signs so that they can either leave or stop performing their own harmful behaviors. Love is Respect is a wonderful organization to partner with to distribute relevant curriculum, facilitate discussions, and craft training to educate teens about teen dating violence.
Explain Reporting to Teens
For many workplaces that employ teens, there are staff who are mandated reporters who are legally required to report any suspicion of sexual harm against minors. These laws vary state by state and teens should be familiar with their supervisor’s obligations. The Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs has laid out how to take a victim-centered approach to discussing the role of a mandated reporter to minors and what sort of information would merit filing a report. They should have a clear understanding of confidentiality, its limits, and ways that they can be supported throughout the reporting process. They should also be provided with resources to turn to if they want to talk about their experiences of sexual harm if they are uncomfortable turning to their employer. Below are some contacts we recommend including in orientation materials in preparation for these scenarios:
– Local Rape Crisis Center Contacts (use the RALIANCE Directory of Organizations for research)
– Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD)
–National Sexual Assault Hotline
–National Domestic Violence Hotline
–National Dating Abuse Hotline (co-created by Break the Cycle): 1.866.331.9474 or text “LOVEIS” to 22522
A first job is an incredible opportunity to learn responsibility and gain valuable skills. Each and every workplace should be a setting where employees can learn and contribute without fear. As teens flock to their summer jobs, we hope to see employers rise to the occasion and do their part to ensure safety to all the teens who join their team.
RALIANCE is a trusted adviser for organizations committed to building cultures that are safe, equitable, and respectful. RALIANCE offers unparalleled expertise in serving survivors of sexual harassment, misconduct, and abuse which drives our mission to help organizations across sectors create inclusive environments for all. For more information, please visit www.RALIANCE.org.