Harmful Sexual Behaviour

Harmful Sexual Behaviour is a term which describes any sexual actions that are not safe for a young person’s age, or stage of development. The harm can either be caused to themselves, or to another person. It can include the following:

• The use of sexually inappropriate language;
• Deliberately and repeatedly accessing inappropriate sexual material online;
• Making, sending or receiving illegal images, including “upskirting”;
• Abusive or sexually violent behaviour, on or offline;
• Sexual experiences marked by power differences;
• Causing someone to engage in sexual activity without consent, such as forcing someone to strip, touch themselves sexually, or to engage in sexual activity with a third party.

Research collated by the NSPCC shows that under 18’s are responsible for about a third of recorded sexual offences against children in the UK. It also shows that girls are over represented amongst victims, and that those with learning difficulties and autism are over represented among those who display harmful behaviour.

The research also shows that for the large majority of those who display harmful behaviours, they do not continue with them into adulthood.

Children who abuse others, including those who sexually abuse/offend or who are violent towards their parents/carers, are likely to have considerable needs themselves. They may also pose a risk of Significant Harm to other children and/or be at risk of significant harm themselves. Evidence suggests that children, including those under the age of 10, who abuse others may have suffered considerable disruption in their lives, been exposed to violence within the family, may have witnessed or been subject to physical or sexual abuse, have problems in their educational development, and may have committed other offences.

Such children themselves are likely to be Children In Need, and some will also be suffering or likely to suffer significant harm, and may be in need of protection.

It is important to differentiate between appropriate behaviours and inappropriate behaviours. The NSPCC provide guidance at the following link Sexual Development and Behaviour in Children. It provides useful guidance using the Harmful sexual behaviour framework to differentiate between behaviours that are normal, inappropriate, problematic, harmful and violent.

Signs to watch out for can include:

• Showing sexual material to younger children;
• Seeking out the company of younger children;
• Taking younger children to secret places;
• Exposing themselves to younger children;
• Using sexually abusive and aggressive language;
• Unwanted hugging or kissing of a child;
• Providing alcohol and/or drugs to other teens or children;
• Secrecy around their online activity;
• Meeting with children or vulnerable adults that they have met online;
• A reluctance and anxiety about being alone with a child.

The final sign in the list reflects the fact that for some young people who display harmful sexual behaviour, they are aware that what they are doing is wrong and are trying to avoid situations where they may harm someone else.

Whilst we recognise that the young person will continue to need support with their behaviours, we absolutely have a responsibility to report any safeguarding concerns in order to protect children and vulnerable adults. Please see Safeguarding Children and Young People and Referring Safeguarding Concerns Procedure and also Notification of Serious Events. Keswick Care should not wait until they have definite proof before sharing their concerns. Staff should speak with their line manager, or the named Safeguarding Lead.

Where a child in our care is alleged to have displayed harmful sexual behaviour, we co-operate fully with the police and with Children’s Social Care. It will be their responsibility to investigate any alleged criminal activity and to assess whether anyone is at risk of significant harm.

Where an alleged offence has taken place within the home, consideration will be given by the Registered Manager, the Registered Individual, the social workers for both young people, along with their child protection managers as to whether it is appropriate for both of the young people to remain living together.

A child who has experienced harmful sexual behaviour will likely feel confused and ashamed by what has happened. It is important that they feel able to discuss their experiences and feelings in a safe environment. Where they choose to raise the subject, the staff member(s) will respond without judgement, but will be clear that this was not their fault.

Where a child has displayed harmful sexual behaviours, then they too will likely feel shame about their conduct. It important that this shame is not added to, as this will increase the risk of further harmful behaviour.

Legislation, Statutory Guidance and Government Non-Statutory Guidance

Keeping Children Safe in Education Part Five: Child on Child Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment

Useful Websites

Key messages from research on children and young people who display harmful sexual behaviour

Harmful Sexual Behaviour - NSPCC research and resources

Harmful Sexual Behaviour Framework: An Evidence-informed Operational Framework for Children and Young People Displaying Harmful Sexual Behaviours (Research in Practice)

Children and Young People Presenting with Harmful Sexual Behaviours: a Toolkit for Professionals (The Children’s Society)

Children and Young People who Engage in Technology-assisted Harmful Sexual Behaviour (NSPCC)

Addressing Child-on-child Abuse: a Resource for Schools and Colleges (Farrer and Co.)

Beyond Referrals: Harmful Sexual Behaviour - School Self-Assessment Toolkit & Guidance.

Tackling Child Exploitation Resources on Harmful Sexual Behaviour (Contextual Safeguarding Network)

Helping education settings identify and respond to concerns (CSA Centre) - when they have concerns of child sexual abuse or behaviour.

Child Protection Resources from Stop It Now - includes a range of publications on preventing abuse among children & young people including online.

Brook Traffic Light Tool Training - Please note: The Traffic Light Tool and training has undergone extensive review and development in 2020. Brook no longer supports previous versions of the Tool.