Harmful sexual behaviour displayed by children and young people

Pat Branigan from NSPCC examines what we mean when we talk about harmful sexual behaviours displayed by children and young people. It elaborates upon the spectrum of behaviours that harmful sexual behaviour encompasses and how the spectrum can be used to respond to a range of harmful sexual behaviours in a manner that is both appropriate and proportionate.

Talking points 

This video looks at: 

• A definition of harmful sexual behaviour. 
• The importance of getting our shared language right. 
• Understanding what is appropriate and inappropriate behaviour. 

Resources that are mentioned in this video  

• Harmful sexual behaviour framework 
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline on Harmful sexual behaviour among children and young people 
• Hackett's (2010) continuum model-The range of sexual behaviours presented by children and young people 

Related resources 

• Children and young people with harmful sexual behaviours: Executive Summary
• Children and young people with harmful sexual behaviours: Research Review 
• Problematic and harmful sexual behaviours – continuing the journey in Gwynedd 
• That Difficult Age: Developing a more effective response to risks in adolescence: Evidence Scope 

Reflective questions 

Here are reflective questions to stimulate conversation and support practice.   

1. Do you and your colleagues have a shared understanding of what is meant by harmful sexual behaviour? How might you develop that shared understanding? 
2. How might you use and apply the continuum of sexual behaviours presented by children and young people in your practice?