Thinking about children and sex is uncomfortable, and raises concerns for all of us. Katie Wetherell, a mental health co-ordinator, explains more about identifying harmful sexual behaviours in children and young people.
When discussing harmful sexual behaviours in children, it's important to consider the language we use
We want to reflect their developmental stage, avoid stigmatisation. Terms like "offender" or "perpetrator" are not useful. They give criminal implications, and take away the view of the child, being a child. Instead, we use phrases such as "a child or young person who displays harmful sexual behaviour".
What is harmful sexual behaviour?
First, it's important to address concerns with sensitivity and awareness. By definition, harmful sexual behaviour is:
"Sexual behaviours expressed by children and young people (under 18 years old) that are developmentally inappropriate, which may be harmful towards themselves or others, be abusive towards another child, young person or adult." (Hackett, 2014)
These behaviours manifest in various forms, including:
- Sibling abuse (inappropriate sexual behaviour between siblings)
- Forced sexual contact (coercing/forcing another child or young person into sexual activities)
- Exposure in public (displaying sexual behaviour in public settings)
- Accessing child abuse images online (viewing or distributing inappropriate images of children)
Harmful sexual behaviours are a spectrum
Sexual behaviours in children and young people are often thought about as a continuum, ranging from:
- Normal (age-appropriate and consensual behaviours)
- Inappropriate (behaviours that are not suitable for the child's age or context)
- Problematic (behaviours that may cause concern but are not necessarily harmful)
- Abusive (behaviours that involve coercion or force)
- Violent (behaviours that cause physical harm or severe emotional distress)
What drives harmful sexual behaviour?
The drives behind harmful sexual behaviours in children and young people are complex.
For example, they can be:
- re-enacting abuse they have experienced
- replicating power dynamics in their own abuse
- displaying learnt behaviour response
What is important to hold on to, is the sexualised behaviour is there fill an unmet need that the child has. Children and young people in care come with complex and heavy trauma filled backgrounds. This behaviour is a form of communication.
Myths (and facts) around children who display harmful sexual behaviour
There's a lot of misinformation out there around children who display this behaviour. Most of this is driven by fear, and not understanding the support needs of the child. We breakdown the myths, and facts.
Myth - All children who display harmful sexual behaviour have been sexually abused
Actually, witnessing violence in the home is the biggest risk factor for children. Studies show 20% to 55% of children displaying harmful sexual behaviours have been sexually abused. Many studies show experiences of physical and/or domestic abuse are more prevalent than sexual abuse.
Myth - These children can't be left at home, alone, with other children
Context is key here. Harmful sexual behaviours present in different ways, so the risk depends on the nature of the behaviours. For example, if a female child engaged in sexualised behaviour with a male child in her class at school. She would not automatically be considered a risk to her younger sister at home.
We need to assess the context, and type of behaviour, to understand the risk. Then, we can develop an effective and meaningful safety plan.
Myth - All children displaying harmful sexual behaviour are a risk to all children
Again, the risk posed is dependent on the type of behaviour displayed. Pathways to harmful sexual behaviour are diverse, and we need to assess each case individually. It is important to avoid thinking that there is a blanket risk posed to all children in all situations.
Myth - All children with harmful sexual behaviors go on to be adult sex offenders
This is a huge fear for carers and professionals alike. However - most follow up studies report that the rates of young people who harm another child are around 12% - 20%, if they do not receive any support. For those who do receive support, this falls lower to around 5%.
Learn more about how foster carers and social workers can support children in these situations. Katie has prepared advice on considering your role in supporting the young person.