Recognize Age-Appropriate Sexual Behavior in Children
Understand age-appropriate sexual behavior. As children grow and pass through various stages of development, their knowledge and curiosity about sexuality changes during maturation. While each child is an individual who will develop at his or her own pace, there are generally accepted behaviors associated with a child's age and developmental stage. Note that because each child develops in his or her own way, not every child will display the behaviors shown below. Depending on the child's age, skip to the proper step for identifying the corresponding behaviors.
Identify common sexual behavior in preschool children (2-5 years): Using childish language to describe body parts Asking where babies come from and how they are made Showing and looking at genitals Touching or rubbing their own private parts Rare sexual behavior: Having sexual contact with other children Using sexually explicit language or discussing sexual acts Displaying adult-like knowledge or behavior
Identify common sexual behavior in school-age children (6-12 years): Inquiring about menstruation, pregnancy, and other sexual behavior Masturbating in private Experimenting with other children (i.e. kissing, touching, showing, role-playing) Rare sexual behavior: Displaying adult-like sexual knowledge or behavior Masturbating in public
Identify common sexual behavior in adolescents (13-17) Experimenting sexually with other adolescents Using sexual language and talking among themselves about sexual acts Masturbating in private Asking about sexual behavior and relationships Rare sexual behavior: Having sexual contact with adults or significantly younger children Masturbating in public
Understand the Types of Child Sexual Abuse
Learn the different forms of child sexual abuse. While legal definitions vary from state to state, child sexual abuse can be categorized into three types: inappropriate touching, non-touching activity and sexual exploitation. Read the following steps for determining each type.
Identify inappropriate touching: Rubbing against a child's body or clothing in an intimate manner Digitally penetrating or penetrating with an object Touching or fondling a child's private parts or making a child touch someone else's genitals Tongue-kissing or kissing in a sexual way Oral-genital or oral-breast contact Playing sexual games Intercourse (vaginal, oral, or anal)
Identify non-touching activity: Forcing a child to masturbate Making sexual comments to a child Taking sexually explicit photos of a child Exposing genitals to a child Peeping or voyeurism Masturbating in front of a child Forcing a child to watch pornographic material
Identify sexual exploitation: Taking pornographic images or videos, or making a child model pornography Soliciting a child for prostitution
Recognize the Warning Signs of Child Sexual Abuse
Understand what warning signs to look for when identifying sexual abuse, as children often show rather than tell when something is disturbing them. While there may be various reasons for fluctuations in a child's behavior, a combination of warning signals may indicate appropriate action be taken. Depending on the child's age, skip to the proper step for identifying the corresponding warning signs.
Identify signs of molestation in children 0-3 years: Feeding and bowel problems Sleeping issues and/or nightmares Crying excessively or fear Failing to thrive
Identify signs of molestation in children 4-12 years: Feeling shameful or guilty Victimizing others Fearing possibility of recurring attacks Masturbating excessively Wetting the bed, stranger anxiety, and other acts of behavior regression Eating troubles or changes in appetite Withdrawing from loved ones Sleeping issues and/or nightmares Fearing specific things like people, places, or activities
Identify signs of molestation in adolescents 13+ years: Abusing drugs and alcohol Displaying anger toward being forced into situations out of their control Engaging in promiscuous activity Showing signs of aggression Suffering from depression Sleeping issues and/or nightmares Performing poorly in school Eating troubles or changes in appetite Running away from home Having suicidal thoughts Displaying overly mature behavior Fearing possibility of recurring attacks Getting pregnant at an early age
Identify physical warning signs of child sexual abuse. Although physical signs of sexual abuse are rare, if you notice any of the signs below, take your child to a doctor for an examination to determine the cause and test for STDs. Physical warning signs of child sexual abuse include: Showing difficulty with walking, sitting, and standing Contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) Experiencing pain during urination and/or bowel movements Bleeding, discharges or pain in mouth, genitals or anus Displaying involuntary urination or defecation Suffering self-inflicted injuries (i.e. cutting, burning, suicide attempts) Having torn, bloody, and stained underwear
Identify other emotional, behavioral, psychological signs of child sexual abuse: Setting fires Having poor social skills Displaying aggressive sexual behavior Acting extremely clingy and dependent Isolating oneself from social activity or being withdrawn Showing cruelty toward animals Observable decline in hygiene and self-care
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