How to talk to your teen about sexual harassment

Many young women experience sexual harassment, with reported cases on the rise in the UK. Dealing with it – as one young person wrote about on our sister platform VoiceBox – is not easy. 

For parents, conversations with teens about sexual harassment matter more than ever. Here are six things for you to consider to approach it with care and confidence.

1. Keep it simple

Conversations like these can feel daunting – but they don’t have to be. A starting point is simply creating a space where your teen can feel safe, supported and heard. They don’t need to be perfect to be effective. 

2. Listen, not lecture

Your teen might already know more than you think – or have experiences they haven’t shared. Approach the topic with curiosity and compassion. Instead of jumping in with rules or warnings, ask how they’re feeling about what they see in the world around them. Let them lead where they can.

3. Acknowledge the complexity

Sexual harassment isn’t always easy to define, especially in social settings or online spaces. Help your teen understand that it’s not just about extreme cases – it includes unwanted comments, gestures, texts, or pressure. Let them know it’s OK to feel unsure about how to respond, and that you're there to figure things out together.

4. Model respect and boundaries

The way we treat others, and how we handle our own boundaries, teaches more than any lecture. Talk about consent and respect as everyday values – not just “sex talk” topics. This helps teens see these conversations as part of normal, healthy relationships.

5. Don’t shy away from grey areas

Teens often face situations that don’t have clear answers. Talk openly about the pressure to go along with jokes, the power dynamics in social circles, and how it can be hard to speak up. Let them know it’s OK to come to you with questions – even if they’re uncomfortable.

6. Keep the door open

This shouldn’t be a one-time conversation. Let your teen know you're always available to talk, and that they won't get in trouble for being honest. Building trust takes time, and showing up consistently – even in small ways – makes a huge difference.

No one has all the answers, and you don’t have to say everything perfectly. Just being willing to talk and to listen goes a long way. Your support will help your teen feel more confident navigating a complicated world.

Further help and advice

Parent Zone has a range of resources available to help parents. Our help and support page includes a number of support services, including where to report sexual abuse. Our library includes more parent advice and platform-specific info.

VoiceBox is a platform created by young people, for young people. Your teen can find articles and information about the issues that concern them.