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Age appropriate sexual behaviours

Sex play and sexual behaviour is normal in children and young people. This category of age appropriate behaviours (identified by the green colour) does not require intervention by caregivers and professionals. Children readily take redirection of these behaviours. The accompanying emotions and expressions of age appropriate sexual play include laughter, spontaneity, curiosity and experimentation.

Concerning sexual behaviours

The following behaviours (identified in orange) signal the need to notice the frequency and persistence of these behaviours. If a child or young person exhibits several of these behaviours and/or these behaviours continue despite clear requests to stop, seek professional advice (see sections on Context of sexual behaviours and Referrals).

Very concerning sexual behaviours

The following behaviours (identified in red) are indicative of very concerning sexual behaviour. Most of these behaviours require immediate professional advice, particularly if the sexual behaviour is accompanied by secrecy, anxiety, tension, coercion, force, compulsion and threats (see sections on Context of sexual behaviours and Referrals). Some of the behaviours listed become criminal offences when the child reaches the age of criminal responsibility (10 years of age in Victoria Australia). Criminal offences require immediate reporting to the Police.

For further information please refer to the booklet Age Appropriate Sexual Behaviour in Children and Young People. Hard copies of this booklet can be obtained from SECASA on (03) 9928 8741.

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Disclaimer Copyright Updated: 19 Aug 2009