Educator-To-Student Sexual Harassment in UK and Irish Secondary Schools: A Qualitative Analysis

The current study examines the way sexual harassment, a specific facet of educator sexual misconduct, is experienced by secondary school students. The qualitative component of an online survey was completed by participants aged 18+ who had attended secondary school in Ireland (<i>n</i> = 85) or the UK (<i>n</i> = 74), and who were recruited to participate via social media. Participants were asked to describe the incident of educator-student sexual harassment they experienced that had the greatest effect on them. Data were analyzed using a deductive approach to thematic analysis and coded into topic summary themes using Fitzgerald's (1995) sexual harassment victimization measure and its respective sexual harassment categories. We also produced an additional theme-<i>the context of sexual harassment</i>. Collectively, these findings can inform educational policies and reporting processes for educator-student sexual harassment, to ultimately support the safety and well-being of all students.