Children with problematic sexual behaviour

The term “problematic sexual behaviour” should be used when a child under the age of 12 commits a sexual act against themselves or another person that could be harmful to them or the other person. The terms “sexual violence” and “sexual assault” should be avoided when referring to these acts, as children differ in several ways from 12- to 17-year-olds and adults who commit sexual violence, particularly in terms of their psychosexual development and legal responsibility for their actions¹.

Problematic sexual behaviour can have numerous consequences, both for the children who engage in these acts and for those against whom they are committed. Those against whom the acts are committed may be recognized as victims of sexual violence, given the potential consequences^1,2.

Problematic sexual behaviour: Definition and manifestations

Children’s sexual behaviours, whether directed toward themselves or others, exist on a continuum. They can be healthy and developmentally appropriate when, for example, they respond to a need for exploration, curiosity, and pleasure, and when they elicit pleasant sensations and emotions. However, some behaviours can be problematic and indicate that a child is experiencing difficulties or needs help^3,4. 

Children express themselves through their behaviour. Problematic sexual behaviour can therefore be a strategy they adopt to meet their needs, such as the need for affection or emotional regulation⁴. Adults, such as parents or health professionals, can play an important role in supporting and accompanying these children, for example by helping them develop healthy strategies to meet their needs.  

In children under the age of 12, problematic sexual behaviour refers to behaviours considered inappropriate for their stage of development involving sexual parts of the body. They can be potentially harmful to themselves or others^2,3. These behaviours may be directed towards oneself (e.g., excessive masturbation, self-inflicted genital injuries), but also towards others, often younger children (e.g., threatening or forcing another child to participate in sexual games, attempts at sexual intercourse, oral-genital contact, acts involving penetration)^2,3. Other signs may also indicate that sexual behaviour is problematic, such as when force, blackmail, threats, or coercion are used, physical injuries are present, children are emotionally distressed, and children at different developmental levels are involved².

• For examples of healthy and concerning sexual behaviour in children under 12 years old, see this guide by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection.

Factors associated with problematic sexual behaviour in children

Several factors related to environments, living conditions, and individuals can increase the risk of a child exhibiting problematic sexual behaviour. In general, children who exhibit such behaviour tend to have experienced more trauma, adverse experiences, and difficulties than children who do not².

Past experiences of violence and adverse experiences in the family

According to studies, the emergence of problematic sexual behaviour in children is associated with a variety of prior experiences of violence and adverse experiences in different settings, including the family environment⁵.

Being a victim of sexual violence is one of the most well-documented factors associated with the risk of engaging in these behaviours. Children who exhibit problematic sexual behaviours are more likely to have experienced sexual abuse than those who do not^1-3,5. However, this is not the only factor that increases the risk of a child exhibiting such behaviours. Conversely, not all children who are victims of sexual abuse will necessarily exhibit problematic sexual behaviours⁴. Other forms of abuse also make children more vulnerable to developing or continuing these behaviours, such as physical abuse, neglect, and exposure to violence in the family (e.g., domestic violence between parents)^1,3,5.

Other adverse experiences in the family environment are also more common among children who exhibit these behaviours than among those who do not². These experiences include abusive or neglectful parenting practices and certain stressful events (e.g., removal of the child from the family environment, arrest of a parent, death of an immediate family member)^2,5.

Exposure to explicit sexuality

Exposure to explicit sexuality that is not appropriate for the child’s developmental stage can also contribute to the risk of problematic sexual behaviour. Examples include exposure to inappropriate sexual acts in the family environment and exposure to pornography, whether violent or non-violent^1,2.

Individual characteristics and behaviours

On an individual level, children with problematic sexual behaviours generally experience more individual difficulties than those without such behaviours. For example, they are more likely to have symptoms of anxiety and depression, behavioural problems (e.g., aggression, delinquency) and interpersonal difficulties (e.g., lack of empathy, negative perception of others)^1-3. Although children of all genders can exhibit problematic sexual behaviour, boys are more likely to do so than girls^2,3. In general, problematic sexual behaviour appears to result more from the environment or situation in which children find themselves than from individual characteristics¹.

No factors that reduce the risk of engaging in problematic sexual behaviour during childhood have been identified in the literature.