Children exhibiting harmful sexual behaviours

Knowing how to identify and respond to sexual behaviours in children and young people helps adults to support the development of healthy sexuality and protect young people from harm or abuse.

Sexual behaviours are not just about sex. They include any talk, touch, questions, conversations and interests which relate to sexuality and relationships. When children or young people display sexual behaviour, which increases their vulnerability or causes harm to another, adults have a responsibility to take action to provide support and protection.

Support and advice

If you are a parent or carer seeking support and advice to identify if the sexual behaviour of children or young people is healthy, concerning or harmful, contact your local primary care provider, e.g. GP or psychologist.

You can also contact a free Family support service that can provide information and support advice.

Further resources

• This free fact sheet can help you to understand and accept childhood sexual behaviour and respond positively: Sexual development in early childhood (true.org.au)
• The Bright Futures program offered through the Daniel Morcombe Foundation aims to build the national knowledge base around children's healthy, problematic, and abusive sexual behaviour.
• The Daniel Morcombe Foundation have also set up a Harmful Sexual Behaviour Education Hotline that your school Principal or Deputy Principal can call
• The True Relationships and Reproductive Health Relationships Ready program provides information and/or sessions for teachers, parents and carers on relationships and sexuality education including delivering lessons on bodies, self-protection, puberty, reproduction, relationships and sexual health.
• This research paper summarises the data and literature on harmful sexual behaviours: A continuum of responses for harmful sexual behaviours (PDF)
• The Royal Commission Final Report, Volume 10, Children with harmful sexual behaviours summarises what was learned about institutional responses to children with harmful sexual behaviours.