Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth

Children and youth often exhibit behaviors that are considered sexual by the adults observing them. Understanding the factors associated with normal and concerning sexual behavior is important when preparing professionals and caregivers with the best practices to keep children safe and thriving during childhood and youth.

This series addresses normal sexual behavior in children in addition to exploring cautionary and problematic sexual behavior (PSB) that children may display. Various factors associated with children’s sexual behavior are identified in order to assist clinicians in understanding the appropriate assessment and disclosure processes involved when problematic symptoms are present.