Harmful Sexual Behaviour

Harmful sexual behaviours can be defined as ‘sexual behaviour(s) expressed by children and young people under the age of 18 years that are developmentally inappropriate, may be harmful towards self or others and/ or be abusive towards another child or young person.’ (Hackett, 2014))

Whilst sexualised behaviour can be a natural, healthy part of growing up, some children and young people may develop inappropriate and problematic habits, or display sexually harmful behaviour.

Examples of harmful sexual behaviour can include sexual touching of others without consent, taking/sharing sexual images of other children, or engaging much younger children in sexual conversation/activity.

Distinguishing between appropriate non-abusive behaviour and inappropriate or abusive behaviour can be a complex task that requires practitioners to have an understanding of what is healthy and informed consent and what is abusive or coercive.

The resources linked to from this page can help professionals and parents identify, understand, and respond to Harmful Sexual Behaviour.

Guidance on working with children and young people who have displayed harmful sexual behaviour

Year: 2024 | Topic: Harmful sexual behaviour | Author: Scottish Government

Evidence Based Guidance For Professionals Working With Children And Young People.

Safeguarding: identify, understand and respond appropriately to sexual behaviours in young people

Year: 2022 | Topic: | Author:

This page has been developed to provide staff working with children and young people with information about how to identify, understand and respond appropriately to sexual behaviours in young people.

Framework for Risk Assessment Management and Evaluation (FRAME) with children aged 12-17

Year: 2021 | Topic: Harmful sexual behaviour | Author: The Scottish Government

When working with children where parts of their behaviour may cause or have caused serious harm, the approach taken should be informed by thinking of them as children first and foremost. Children are not ‘mini-adults’ and the reasons they may present with such behaviours cannot be understood through an adult lens.

A Guide to Youth Justice in Scotland: policy, practice and legislation

Year: 2021 | Topic: Harmful sexual behaviour | Author: Children and Young People's Centre for Justice

This guidance from the Children and Young People's Centre for Justice (CYCJ), is aimed at practitioners and managers working with children and young people who are in conflict with the law, or who are at risk of being so. There are a small but significant number of children and young people in Scotland who present a risk of serious harm to themselves and others as a result of their involvement in harmful sexual behaviour and/or serious acts of violence.