Harmful Sexual Behaviour in Young Children and Pre-Teens

There has been considerable research and authorship on child sexual abuse, however, much of this research has focused on adult perpetrators and child victims. Less attention has been paid to children's harmful sexual behaviour and the multitude of influences. Harmful Sexual Behaviour in Young Children and Pre-Teens provides evidence-based understanding on: typical sexual development versus harmful sexual behaviour; the prevalence and impacts associated with harmful sexual behaviour; Australian laws, policies and educator responsibilities; responses and support systems for children who display harmful sexual behaviour; and the implications and challenges for future practice. This book provides understandings that directly respond to the recent Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommendation 10.1 to address (a) primary prevention strategies to educate family, community members, carers, and professionals about preventing harmful sexual behaviours (b) secondary prevention strategies to ensure early intervention when harmful sexual behaviours are developing and (c) tertiary intervention strategies to address harmful sexual behaviours.. The authors present a review of psychological, sociological, legal, and educational research to inform and support professionals involved in the wellbeing and education of children to understand, manage, and reduce dysfunctional sexual development in children.

Lesley-anne Ey, PhD, ECE (Hons) is Senior Lecturer in Education Futures at the University of South Australia with expertise in children's harmful sexual behaviours, the impact of media on children's socio-sexual development, bullying, and child protection issues with the aim to support teachers and inform curriculum. Elspeth McInnes, AM, BA (Hons 1), PhD is Associate Professor in Education Futures at the University of South Australia with expertise in issues of child abuse and child protection, family violence, trauma and child development, and public policy regarding family law, income support, and family services.

1. Introduction 2. Typical Sexual Development and Harmful Sexual Behaviour 3. Children's Harmful Sexual Behaviour: A Global Phenomenon? 4. Aftermath and Impacts of Harmful Sexual Behaviour 5. Influences on Harmful Sexual Behaviour: Child Characteristics, Familial, and Social Context 6. Laws and Responsibilities 7. Educator Knowledge of Harmful Sexual Behaviour and their Training Needs 8. Responding to and Supporting Children who Display Harmful Sexual Behaviour: An Educator's Approach 9. Identifying Challenges and Prevention Strategies 10. Conclusion