This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Recent media reports of alleged sexual assaults by teenage boys draw attention to an uncomfortable truth: Young people sometimes perpetrate harmful sexual behavior against their peers. These reports are only the tip of the iceberg.
The Australian Child Maltreatment Study surveyed more than 8,500 Australians age 16 and older and found that nearly three in 10 (28.5%) had experienced child sexual abuse; nearly half of the abuse reported was carried out by young people under 18. Among the youngest age group surveyed (16–24 years), sexual abuse by another young person was more frequently reported than sexual abuse by an adult (18.2% compared with 11.7%). What do we know about young people whose sexual behavior harms others?
And how can we keep them and those around them safe? Research shows many young people who have harmed others as a result of their sexual behaviors have experienced child maltreatment themselves. However, this does not mean experiencing abuse inevitably leads to harming others.
Other factors associated with the development of these behaviors include childhood exposure to pornography, experience of domestic and family violence, and sexualized or unstable home environments. Harmful sexual behavior takes many forms. It can involve coercion, threats or exploitation and can occur online or offline.
Such behavior often involves differences in age, developmental capacity, physical strength or gender, including between siblings and peers. Its frequency and severity vary. Recognizing this broad spectrum of behaviors and that young people are still developing their identity and capacity, researchers and treatment providers use "harmful sexual behavior" as an umbrella term to describe sexual behaviors displayed by people under 18 that harm others.
Our research shows nonstigmatizing language such as "harmful sexual behavior" encourages people to seek help and helps young people stay engaged in treatment. This is important to help them stop the behavior and take responsibility for the harm. Everyone can play a role in reducing harm, but knowing where to start is not easy.
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