Harmful Sexual Behaviours Toolkit from NSPCC - How can it support you?
Updated: 23rd May 2024
Introduction:
Children and young people face a higher risk of sexual abuse within their family and community, with a significant portion of such abuse perpetrated by individuals under the age of 18. While the majority of sexual abuse is committed by adults, approximately one-third is believed to be carried out by minors.
What is the Challenge?
Child sexual abuse is a significant public health concern, and families play a crucial role in safeguarding children. While the risk is higher within families and communities, not all abuse is perpetrated by adults. Recognising and distinguishing between normal and abusive sexual behaviours in children can be challenging, especially as children may engage in such behaviour without understanding its wrongfulness. Using the term ‘harmful sexual behaviour’ is often more helpful than solely referring to abuse in addressing these issues.
What are Harmful Sexual Behaviours?
‘Harmful sexual behaviour’ (HSB) refers to sexual actions by young individuals that surpass what is considered safe for their developmental stage. This term encompasses actions that can cause harm to the child or another person. Examples of HSB include:
- Accessing age-inappropriate sexual material online
- Using inappropriate language
- Engaging in mutual sexual activity with peers prematurely
- Sending and receiving illegal images
- Participating in sexual interactions with significant power differences
- Lack of consent, or involving force or threats, as well as engaging in abusive or sexually violent behaviour both online and offline.
What does the Research tell us?
In the UK, individuals under 18 are responsible for at least one-third of reported sexual offenses against children and young people. This behaviour is often seen in boys during early adolescence, though girls also exhibit it occasionally. Girls are more likely to be victims of such behaviour. Individuals with learning disabilities and autism are overrepresented among those displaying harmful sexual behaviour, and about half of young people who exhibit such behaviour have themselves been sexually abused. However, most young people do not continue these behaviours into adulthood. Parents and caregivers must assess potential risks posed by their children, both online and in-person, and remain vigilant for signs of harmful sexual behaviour in children and young people.
How to Prevent this?
As children and young people develop, they often exhibit a range of sexualised behaviours. While most are typical, some may display problematic or abusive sexualised behaviour, which is harmful to both the individual displaying it and its targets. It is crucial for those working or volunteering with children to differentiate between developmentally typical sexual behaviour and behaviour that is problematic or harmful. To facilitate this, The NSPCC has developed four steps to help assess and respond appropriately to the nature of the sexualised behaviour displayed by a child or young person.
Step 1: understanding Hackett’s sexualised behaviour continuum
Hackett's continuum presents sexualised behaviour as a range from 'normal' to 'inappropriate', 'problematic', 'abusive' and 'violent' (Hackett, 20101).
Developmentally typical (green) behaviours
The NSPCC uses the term ‘developmentally typical’ to describe behaviours on the green end of the continuum, which may also be referred to as 'healthy,' 'normal,' or 'developmentally expected.' Green sexual behaviour is considered developmentally expected and socially acceptable. It involves consensual, mutual, and reciprocal actions, characterised by shared decision-making.
Problematic (amber) behaviours
The NSPCC defines 'problematic sexual behaviour' (PSB) as a term encompassing behaviours categorised as 'amber' on the Hackett continuum. Amber behaviours are deemed 'inappropriate' or 'problematic.' Inappropriate behaviour may include single instances of sexually inappropriate actions, actions acceptable within a peer group but not outside it, generally consensual and reciprocal, and occurring in an inappropriate context. Problematic behaviour, falling under PSB, is marked by being developmentally unusual and socially unexpected. It may be compulsive, with unclear consent and non-reciprocal behaviour, sometimes involving an imbalance of power but not necessarily overt victimisation.
Harmful (red) behaviours
The NSPCC identifies red sexualised behaviours, termed harmful sexual behaviour (HSB), as detrimental to both the child displaying them and the targeted individuals. These behaviours are further categorised by Hackett into 'abusive' and 'violent' actions. Abusive behaviour encompasses intrusive actions, misuse of power, victimisation, coercion, and force, often involving elements of expressive violence. Consent may not be freely given or possible. Violent behaviour involves physically violent sexual abuse, highly intrusive actions, potential instrumental violence arousing to the perpetrator, and may include sadism.
Check this quick one page guide to recognise these sexualised behaviours:
Step 2: identifying Sexualised Behaviours
To address a child's problematic or harmful sexual behaviour, it's vital to assess where their actions fall on a continuum, understanding that behaviour can vary based on circumstances and can shift along this spectrum. Each situation should be evaluated independently, considering any recurring patterns of behaviour. While children naturally explore and experiment with their sexuality during development, when this behaviour becomes obsessive or compulsive, it may indicate problematic or harmful tendencies.
What to consider?
- Age of the Child or Young Person
- Age of Others Involved
- Unusual Behaviour for the Child
- Consent
- Distress of Others
- Power Imbalance
- Excessive, Degrading, or Threatening Behaviour
- Public or Private Setting
- Secrecy or Post-Intervention Behaviour
By examining these factors, one can better understand and respond to the nature of a child or young person's sexual behaviour.
Step 3: Take Action
When addressing a child displaying sexualised behaviours, tailor your response based on: Child's age; stage of development; position on Hackett's Continuum ensure that your approach prioritises the needs of the children involved at all times. By considering these factors, you can tailor a more effective and sensitive response to the child's behaviour.
Developmentally typical (green) behaviours
These refer to behaviours that align with a child's normal and expected developmental milestones. These actions are considered age-appropriate and fall within the range of typical behaviour for a child at their specific stage of development.
How to respond:
To address and support children and young people regarding sexualised behaviours:
- Active Listening and Non-Judgmental Response
- Educate on Sexual Development and Healthy Relationships
- Communication with Parents and Carers
- Open Communication Channels
- Childline as a Resource
- NSPCC Helpline for Support
Promoting open communication, education, and access to support services are key elements in addressing and managing concerns related to children and young people's sexual behaviours.
Problematic (amber) sexual behaviours
These refer to actions that raise concerns and may be indicative of potential issues. These behaviours fall outside the spectrum of developmentally typical actions and may require attention and intervention. Identifying and addressing problematic sexual behaviours is crucial to ensure the well-being and safety of children and young people.
How to respond:
When responding to incidents of Problematic Sexual Behaviours (PSB):
- Follow Organisational Procedures
- Calm and Non-Judgmental Communication
- Ensure Safety and Support for Others
Harmful (red) sexual behaviours
These indicate actions that are considered damaging and pose a significant risk to the well-being and safety of individuals involved. These behaviours are more severe than problematic behaviours and demand immediate attention and intervention to ensure the protection of those affected.
How to respond:
- As you would for Problematic sexual behaviours.
In response to incidents of harmful sexual behaviour, the nominated child protection lead should be promptly informed. Their responsibilities include assessing the risk to the child involved, taking immediate action to ensure their protection, and implementing measures to mitigate the potential harm posed by the behaviour to others.
Resources
HSB Framework: https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/media/1657/harmful-sexual-behaviour-framework.pdf
NSPCC Support for children - healthy and unhealthy relationships: https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding-child-protection/healthy-and-unhealthy-relationships/
Childline: https://www.childline.org.uk/
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