Researchers Find Rampant Peer Harassment

The New York Times reported last week that more than a third of middle- and high-school students may be victims of sexual harassment by their classmates, according to a new study in the journal Sex Roles. The researchers also determined that sexual harassment takes an even stronger "emotional toll" on students than bullying -- a more visible and frequently-occurring form of peer abuse. Girls and "sexual minorities" -- openly gay students or those perceived to be gay -- are particularly susceptible harassment and its adverse health effects.