Flirting vs. Sexual Harassment

Some flirting between kids is normal and healthy, but sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between flirting and sexual harassment. The lists below can help you figure it out. 1 (NOTE: An adult flirting with a kid is not normal or ok.)

• Flirting is welcome attention.
• Sexual harassment is not wanted.

• Flirting goes both ways.
• Sexual harassment is one-sided.

• Flirting makes you feel flattered or attractive.
• Sexual harassment makes you feel put down or ugly.

• Flirting makes you feel in control.
• Sexual harassment makes you feel powerless.

• Flirting makes you feel good about yourself.
• Sexual harassment makes you feel bad or dirty.

• Flirting is legal in school.
• Sexual harassment is a violation of school rules.

If you think you are flirting with someone, but they do not respond the way you want them to, consider this:
• If the person does not seem happy with your attention,
• if you flirt but they do not flirt back,
• if you make a sexual joke and they do not laugh,
• if the person seems to be avoiding you...

You might be making them uncomfortable. The bottom line is that if the person receiving your sexual or romantic attention doesn't want it and you continue, that's harassment and you should stop it.