Golden Sample - General content - Widgets

Understanding sexual development and behaviour provides information about sexual development and how to tell the difference between developmentally expected behaviours and those that may need attention.

Getting help early can help stop the behaviour and support children and teens to continue to develop in healthy ways. Support might come from you, a school or other professionals specialised in this area. Help is available.

Depending on the child’s age and severity of the behaviour, additional services may need to become involved to support the child to stop the behaviour and take responsibility for it. This may include child protection or youth justice. Learn more about the law and where to get advice and support in the FAQ section of Understanding problematic and harmful sexual behaviours.

Watching or being exposed to pornography is becoming increasingly common among children and teens. Find resources to help you understand pornography use, talk with your child about what they’ve seen, unpack the messages pornography sends about sex, consent, bodies and relationships, and know when to be concerned: Pornography exposure, use and influence.

If you’re worried about your child’s sexual behaviour, it can be hard to know what to do next. Resources to help parents and carers are available in supporting safety after PHSB in the section on resources to share with parents and carers. Remember you don’t have to do it alone - here's where you can get help.

If your child tells you they have been harmed, let them know they did the right thing by telling you. Listen to them, take what they say seriously and reassure them that you believe them. Draw on support to help you care for your child - see available services in your area.