Some childhood sexual behaviors, however, indicate more than harmless curiosity. In some cases,
sexual behaviors pose a risk to the safety and well-being of the child and other children in his or her
world. These
sexual behavior problems
tend to continue even after the child has been told to stop
or limit the behavior, and usually have one or more of the following characteristics:
1-3
Are clearly beyond the child’s developmental stage (for example, a three-year-old attempting
■
to kiss an adult’s genitals)
Involve threats, force, or aggression
■
Involve inappropriate or harmful use of sexual body parts (for example, inserting objects
■
into the rectum or vagina)
Involve children of widely different ages or abilities (such as a 12-year-old “playing doctor”
■
with a four-year-old)
Are associated with strong emotional reactions in a child—such as anger or anxiety
■
Interfere with typical childhood interests and activities
■
Sexual behavior problems frequently involve other children, including younger children, siblings,
and friends. No one knows how many children develop sexual behavior problems during their lives.
Although the number of cases being referred to child protective services and the juvenile justice
system has risen over the last two decades, it is not clear if these referrals represent a true increase
in the number of children with sexual behavior problems, increased public recognition of the problem,
or a combination of both.