This Fact Sheet provides basic information about sexual development and problematic sexual behavior in children ages This information is important for parents and professionals who work with or provide services to children such as teachers, physicians, child welfare personnel, daycare providers, and mental health professionals.
Guidelines to distinguish typical sexual behaviors from problematic sexual behaviors are described below. Research on sexual behavior of children ages 2 to 12 has documented that:. Typical sexual knowledge of children age 2 to 6 years old:. Typical sexual knowledge of children ages 7 to 12 years old:. In the last decade, research has described typical sexual behaviors in boys and girls ages Does not have a strong sense of modesty.
Enjoys own nudity. Research has also described infrequent and uncommon sexual behaviors in boys and girls ages Professionals in the field have developed a continuum of sexual behaviors that range from common sexual play to problematic sexual behavior. Example: An eight-year-old girl shows her private parts to a new child during an after-school program.
Example: A ten-year-old threatens his six-year-old cousin and makes him touch his penis. Example: A nine-year-old child continues to engage other children in mutual touching after being told the behavior is not allowed and having consequences, such as being grounded. Example: A child causes physical injury, such as bruising, redness, or abrasions on themselves or another child, or causes another child to be highly upset or fearful.
Children with sexual behavior problems SBPs are children 12 years and under who demonstrate developmentally inappropriate or aggressive sexual behavior. This definition includes self-focused sexual behavior, such as frequent public masturbation, and intrusive or aggressive sexual behavior towards others that may include coercion or force. Some children who have been sexually abused have inappropriate sexual behaviors and others have aggressive or highly problematic sexual behavior.
