CAPSTONE.
Sexual harassment can be described as any unwelcomed physical or even verbal conduct of a sexual nature. The fact that Andy was able to speak out revealing the inappropriate touching made by their babysitter to both Kim (his sister) and him was a bold step. The act of “being touched” reported by Andy to his kindergarten teacher can be termed as sexual harassment. Child sexual harassment is recognized by federal law as child maltreatment and is illegal. In this particular scenario, the babysitter is taking advantage of the ages of the children and the fact that they cannot readily express themselves.
Kim is a young Asian American third-grade girl who is very shy. Her classmates term her as a “very nice” girl and despite this fact she does not have any friends. The disparity in the ethnic group between Kim and her classmates may have a hand in her behaviour. The need to be all reserved and the indifference while looking at adults may be attributed to the feeling that she is left out due to the difference in the ethnic group. Furthermore, there is also the inappropriate touching by the babysitter who is an adult which may have left the Kim feeling as if it is her fault.
In this scenario, a follow up by both the school and Andy’s teacher is needed. The children are said to have left for the day, and therefore the safety of the children might be at stake. The school administration should be informed, and they should reach out to the children’s parents and inform them of the situation at hand. This is to ensure the safety of the children. As the school counsellor setting up sessions with the children is paramount to make sure that the children know it is not their fault. Counselling sessions would go a long way to help the children cope with the ordeal.