Media Coverage-Response to the Equal Opportunities Commission on Sexual Harassment Case Involving Two Students

Campus sexual harassment is a pressing issue. In April 2025, the Equal Opportunities Commission represented a Form 6 female student in a sexual harassment case against a male classmate, drawing significant attention due to their student status. Carey Choi, the Education Manager at Teen’s Key, discussed this on RTHK Radio 1’s programme ”自由風自由PHONE,“ responded to the situation.

Inadequate Sex Education

In the schools we have worked with, students receive only 1 to 2 hours of sex education each year, which is insufficient for a comprehensive understanding. There is often a gap between topics of interest to students and those mandated by schools

Lack of Awareness About “Invisible” Sexual Violence

While students generally have some understanding of sexual violence, they often focus only on physical forms and overlook “invisible” types, such as verbal and image-based sexual harassment. Schools usually respond reactively, bringing in social workers or organizations to hold talks only after a sexual violence incident occurs.

We recommend that schools enhance education on these invisible forms of sexual violence. It is crucial to emphasize that any behavior with sexual implications that makes someone uncomfortable constitutes harassment. For instance, mocking a classmate’s gender expression or sharing non-consensual intimate images can be harmful. Many students dismiss these actions as jokes, not realizing the damage they can cause. By addressing these issues, we can create a safer and more supportive school environment for everyone.