Teenager Sumer Job Safety

Sexual harassment is a form of harassment that involves the use of explicit or implicit sexual overtones that include undesirable sexual advances, demands for sexual favors, and other oral or bodily conduct with a sexual connotation. Sexual harassment consists of various actions, from verbal transgressions to sexual abuse or assault. Examples of sexual harassment include but are not limited to the following: 

• Rude comments regarding your appearance (i.e., clothes, body parts).
• Physical contact like patting, pinching, or intentionally rubbing up against someone.
• Sexual or vulgar jokes or making sexual gestures.
• Sending, forwarding, or requesting notes, emails, or images with sexual connotations.

In some cases, there are situations in which sexual harassment occurs, but it can be overlooked. These situations can include but are not limited to, offensive comments made that are not explicitly sexual but consist of general offensive remarks about a person's sex. If the harasser is either a client and customer, the victim's boss, a manager in another department, or a co-worker. A victim of sexual harassment does not have to be the direct target of the behavior. Those who are offended by the actions and behaviors taken by others can often be overlooked as victims of sexual harassment.

We understand how difficult it can be to ensure your teen is safe at work, so below, we have listed five of the most important tips you and your teen should follow when they begin their summer jobs in order to stay safe.

Tip 1: Know their contact information and work schedule.

Staying connected with your teens this summer can help keep them out of harm's way. Know when you can expect your teen to come home after their shift is over. In an emergency, you should have a way to connect with your teen at work. Ask if they know their work number and email, and keep the information in a safe and easily accessible location. 

Tip 2: Educate your teens about their rights.

Unfortunately, people will try to take advantage of teens who are unaware of the laws in place to protect them at their place of work. As parents or caregivers, we must educate teens that sexual harassment is illegal. Inform your teen it is OK to say No or tell someone they are uncomfortable with certain situations or behaviors exhibited towards them.

Tip 3: Remind your teen that work should feel like a safe space. 

While it can be an incredible experience for your teens to experience something new as they learn to navigate the world, it is still important to remind them that they should always feel safe at work and how to determine when something is no longer a safe environment. Be prepared to discuss what it means to prioritize their health and what makes sense for their safety.

Tip 4: Educate your teen on how to report hazards.

While it can feel stressful to report someone for making you feel uncomfortable, it is a lesson teens need to learn from a person they can trust, like a parent or guardian. Talking to your teens before these situations can help them better understand what to look out for and how to protect themselves if they ever find themselves in an uncomfortable workplace situation. As the summer goes on, make sure you are checking in with your teen. Ask how work is going, how their co-workers treat them, and what tasks they've been assigned. Give your teen room to discuss any problems or concerns without judgment.

If your teen reports something concerning, you can guide them on how they can file an administrative complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or a relevant state agency.

Tip 5: Speak to an attorney.

If your teen has experienced sexual harassment at work, know that you do not have to face things alone. Speaking to an attorney can help you and your teen understand your options and allow you to move forward confidently in seeking justice. 

If your teen has been sexually harassed at work, working with an attorney can help you understand what your options are. Our team understands how to build successful sexual harassment lawsuits to help you get the justice you deserve. When you work with a Morgan & Morgan attorney, they will be able to create and collect the necessary documentation and evidence, notify the proper authorities, and present a strong case to receive compensation for the inappropriate conduct against your teen.

At Morgan & Morgan, we believe everyone is entitled to proper legal representation regardless of their financial situation. When working with a Morgan & Morgan attorney, you will never have to pay out of pocket for our services. Our attorneys work on what is called a contingency, meaning that we only get paid if we win your case–our fees will only ever come out of the settlement, never from your wallet.

Your teens should never have to worry if they will be sexually harassed at work. In the unfortunate case that your teen is attacked, know that you do not have to face this alone. At Morgan & Morgan, our sexual harassment attorneys have the resources to help you and your loved ones get the justice you deserve. If you need us, we'll always be here to help you. For more information, you can complete our free, no-obligation case review form. See why millions trust Morgan & Morgan.