When children and young people grow up, they may become curious about their bodies, relationships and sex. While many young people display sexual behaviours typical of their age, sexual behaviour that is harmful to themselves or others is a cause for concern.
Harmful sexual behaviour is described as inappropriate sexual behaviour for the age or developmental stage of a child or young person. It may involve using sexually explicit language, sexual role-play/games, inappropriate sexual touching or creating and sharing sexually explicit images. It can also often involve one person not having or giving consent and/ or a power imbalance in a relationship.
Feeling Worried?
Some sexual behaviour forms part of a child's normal development; however, if the behaviour becomes harmful, for example, if it's inappropriate for the child's age or stage of development, or causes harm to the child or other people, then we advise you to find some support.
If you become concerned about your young person's sexual behaviour, try to:
How to Spot Harmful Sexual Behaviour
It's normal for children and young people to display some sexualised behaviour as they grow up. However, when sexualised behaviours are inappropriate for their age or stage of development, or harmful to themselves or others, it's important to get advice.
The Hackett Continuum was created to describe how sexualised behaviour can range from typical (normal) to harmful. It rates behaviour as green (typical), amber (problematic) and red (harmful). Find some examples of different sexualised behaviour in the NSPCC videos below:
Green typical behaviour
Amber problematic behaviour
Red harmful behaviour
Who to Speak to About Your Concerns
If you are worried about your child's sexual behaviour, or your child has disclosed worries about another young person's sexual behaviour and you need some advice, you can speak to a professional like your child's teacher, doctor or social worker. These professionals can refer them on to the Harmful Sexual Behaviours team if needed.
If you need urgent advice, contact the Children's Social Care line on 0344 800 8020 or visit the Norfolk Safeguarding Children Partnership website to raise a concern.
If your child or young person is in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.
Positive Resources
For parents
For Young people
Social
media is often a big part of a young person's life and it can often feel that they are glued to their phones or computers. As a parent/carer, if you are worried about who your child is contacting on their device, and what they may be experiencing online, talk to them. You can always check to see who they are messaging.
It can be hard to understand all of the current social media platforms, so if you need to talk about your young person's internet use or are worried about who they are talking to online, you can always contact us for advice and guidance.
You can contact the Healthy Child Service team by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520 631590. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays).
If you have concerns about your child or young person's sexual behaviour, you can speak to an education or healthcare professional who can refer to the Harmful Sexual Behaviour team, or contact the Chilsren's Social Care line on 0344 800 8020.
If your child is 11-24 years old, FYI Norfolk is an interactive NHS website just for them. It provides reliable and trustworthy advice and support on sex and relationship topics.
For 10 to 18-year-olds, Kooth is a free, confidential and safe way to receive online counselling, advice and emotional well-being support.
Childline - Children and young people under 19 can call 0800 1111 for free support.
Young Minds Parents Helpline - Call 0808 802 5544 for free Mon-Fri from 9.30am to 4pm.
