A student told a school officer she was repeatedly groped by a classmate — a stark reminder that sexual misconduct isn’t limited to high school or adulthood.
Administrators asked the school resource officer to respond after a 7th-grade girl reported that another student grabbed her chest and buttocks, and tried to place his hands between her legs. She told the boy to stop several times, but he allegedly laughed, told her she liked it, and even said he wanted to perform a sexual act on her.
When she couldn’t get him to stop, she went straight to the office for help.
This happened at a middle school in Lawrence County, where deputies documented the complaint and notified the girl’s guardian. The guardian told officers they weren’t focused on punishment but on making sure the boy learns that this behavior is unacceptable — and receives help before it escalates.
A report was taken and the school is continuing to address the situation.
Why This Matters: Abuse Can Start Early
Many parents assume sexual harassment and coercion happen only in high school or beyond.
Unfortunately, studies say otherwise:
- 1 in 3 girls report sexual harassment by middle school
- Early violations of boundaries can escalate if unchecked
- Victims often feel responsible or afraid to report
- Offenders may not fully understand harm — but the impact is real
Middle schoolers are still learning about their bodies and boundaries — but learning through fear and humiliation can have long-lasting psychological consequences.
How Adults Can Protect Their Kids
🚦 Teach body autonomy early: “No one touches you without permission”
🗣 Reinforce that kids can always tell a trusted adult
👂 Take every report seriously, even if the offender is “just a kid”
👥 Encourage bystanders to speak up
📚 Work with schools on clear boundaries and consequences
A Chance for Intervention
Hopefully, the guardian’s focus on education and accountability could prevent more serious behavior later. Early action matters — for both victims and offenders.
Because every student deserves to feel safe learning, growing, and simply walking the halls of a middle school.
