Harmful sexual behaviour
Some sexual behaviour is a normal part of children's development, the behaviour becomes harmful when it is inappropriate for the child's age or causes others harm. Children may get involved in harmful sexual behaviours without realising the seriousness of their behaviour or the potential harm it could cause others.
How do I know what is normal sexual behaviour?
Each child is an individual and will develop in their own way. However, there is a generally accepted range of behaviours linked to a child's age and developmental stage. Sometimes these will involve some exploration with other children of similar age. It can be difficult to tell the difference between age appropriate sexual behaviour and warning signs of harmful behaviour.
Signs a child's sexual behaviour could be unhealthy or inappropriate include:
- showing sexual behaviour that’s inappropriate for their age
- sexual behaviour that’s becoming a compulsive habit or happening frequently
- behaviour using force, aggression or pressuring others
- engaging in behaviour that upsets other children involved
- sexual interest in adults or children of very different ages to their own
- if it’s affecting their school work, relationships or social life
- using pornography or sending explicit images online, particularly without someone’s consent
- any sexual behaviour that’s harmful to themselves or others.
(information taken from NSPCC website)
Parents Protect - Traffic light tools for parents carers and professionals provides useful leaflets that are age specific to help you to know how to recognise and respond to age appropriate behaviours in children
Parents protect website also offers a toolkit for parents, carers to help them be aware of the risks of harmful sexual behaviour in children and young people, so that they know what they can do to prevent it. It’s got support, advice and information, plus resources and links to useful organisations.
NSPCC website also offers a wealth of advice on healthy sexual development in young people and where to get further support.