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Harmful sexual behaviour

What is harmful sexual behaviour?

Harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) is developmentally inappropriate sexual behaviour displayed by children and young people which is harmful or abusive1.

Peer-on-peer sexual abuse is a form of HSB where sexual abuse takes place between children of a similar age or stage of development. Child-on-child sexual abuse is a form of HSB that takes place between children of any age or stage of development.

Problematic sexual behaviour (PSB) is developmentally inappropriate or socially unexpected sexualised behaviour which doesn’t have an overt element of victimisation or abuse.

References

Hackett, S. (2014) Children and young people with harmful sexual behaviours. London: Research in Practice

Training to help manage HSB in schools

Preventative measures

What you need to do to help create a safe culture for all children and young people in your school or organisation.

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Responding to an incident

Advice on how to respond to an incident of HSB or PSB and support all children involved.

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Staff online training

Training to help school staff increase their confidence and gain the skills to effectively manage incidents of sexualised behaviour.

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Use resources with children

Access free resources to use with children and young people to help promote healthy relationships in age-appropriate ways.

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Understanding sexual behaviour

Podcast episodes

Research and briefings

Further resources and support

Report Abuse in Education Helpline

Young people who have experienced abuse at school and parents and teachers who are concerned about sexual abuse in education settings can call 0800 136 663 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

Talk Relationships

Access our Talk Relationships service that supports people working in secondary education to overcome any challenges they may face when delivering sex and relationships education. Our package includes paid-for training, free age-appropriate lesson plans and a dedicated helpline.

Self-assessment tool

Our free online tool helps you audit your school or organisation’s current safeguarding arrangements.

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