Working with young people with harmful sexual behaviours: research brief
This research brief provides an overview of the current research reporting on young people who have displayed problematic and harmful sexual behaviours.
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Hosted on https://learn.childhood.org.au/ • Opens in a new tab
By Australian Childhood Foundation
Published on 2019
How this resource can help
Use this resource to
Understand and share contemporary research on young people displaying problematic and harmful sexual behaviour
Inform planning and professional development, especially for people working in residential care
Add to formal and informal professional training and education, like online learning, workshops or supervision
It covers
What problematic and harmful sexual behaviours are, and when to be concerned
How common problematic and harmful sexual behaviours are, and what we know about the young people who use them
Harmful sexual behaviours in residential care
Key messages from intervention research
Open this resource
Hosted on https://learn.childhood.org.au/ • Opens in a new tab
Last reviewed by Together We Can: 07 July 2026
What is problematic and harmful sexual behaviour
Problematic and harmful sexual behaviour affects children, families, and communities. Understanding it clearly is the first step toward effective prevention, recognition, and response.
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Parents and carers
If you’re a parent or carer seeking information or worrying about a behaviour, you're not alone. Find resources to help you understand child sexual development, support safety, and respond to concerns about sexual behaviour.
Children and young people
It’s normal to have questions about your body, feelings, sex and relationships. If you’re a young person looking for information – head here. We’ve got information just for you.