While some may downplay sexual harassments by calling them "harmless compliments," or "unwanted sexual attention," two recent surveys suggest that sexual harassment is not only prevalent, but can have serious impacts on mental health. And, contrary to conventional wisdom, this is not just a female issue. Males also reported harassment, though lesser in number and severity.How common is it? Ninety percent of girls reported experiencing sexual harassment at least once in the study "Perceived Experiences with Sexism Among Adolescent Girls" published in the May/June 2008 issue of Child Development. The research group from University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences and the University of California Santa Cruz surveyed 600 girls between the ages of 12 and 18, from California and Georgia.

The second study, "Both Boys And Girls Negatively Affected By Sexual Harassment" in the June 2008 issue of Psychology of Women Quarterly, found that girls had more frequent, upsetting experiences of peer harassment than boys did. Girls who experienced sexual harassment at school reported feeling unsafe while at school, withdrawal from school, and feelings of lowered self-esteem. Males reported negative psychological, health and educational outcomes. This study, conducted by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, surveyed about 300 girls and 250 boys from public high schools in the Midwest.

Harassed and Stressed? Here Are Some Stress-Busting Tips from AOL Health:

• Exercise. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress. Walking is a great way to get started. Learn more about which exercises improve mental health.
  
• Write. It can help to write about the things that are bothering you. Here is a great place to vent about how you were harassed. Let your feelings out. Talk, laugh, cry, and express anger when you need to.
• Do something you enjoy. A hobby can help you relax. Volunteer work or work that helps others can be a great stress reliever.
• Learn ways to relax your body. This can include breathing exercises, muscle relaxation exercises, massage, aromatherapy, yoga, or relaxing exercises like tai chi and qi gong.
• Listen to relaxing music.
• Laughter really can be the best medicine.

Measure your stress level here.