Problematic and Harmful Sexual Behaviours (PHSB)

Children First (2022) defines problematic and harmful sexual behaviours as:

'Sexual behaviours by children and young people under the age of 18 years that fall outside the range of expected activity for a child’s age and stage of development. They may be developmentally inappropriate, harmful towards self or others, or abusive towards another child, young person or adult (derived from Hackett, 2014).' p.2

Children First 2022-2031: Our shared framework for preventing and responding to problematic and harmful sexual behaviours by children and young people. NSW Health

A young person with curly hair wearing a white shirt, red and gray striped tie, and backpack, standing on a city sidewalk during sunset.

Children and young people will display sexual behaviour that is typical for their age and stage of development. However, for many different reasons, some sexual behaviour displayed by children and young people will raise concerns for adults as well as other children and young people who may witness or be harmed by those behaviours.

Rosie’s Place supports children and young people who have been harmed by PHSB and children under the age of 12 who have displayed PHSB. For more information, please call or send us an email.

An informational guide titled 'Introduction to INFORMATION Sheets for PHSB.' The page is divided into numbered sections with colored backgrounds; 1 in yellow labeled 'Values and Beliefs,' 2 in green labeled 'Understanding Sexual Behaviours,' 3 in purple labeled 'What We Know,' and 4 in orange labeled 'Responding.' Each section contains a brief description related to responding to sexual behaviors and supporting children and young people.
A woman with blond hair wearing a dark jacket and pink scarf appears to be deep in thought. Several speech bubbles around her contain statements about concerns and misconceptions regarding her child's behavior and accusations of sexual abuse, highlighting parental worries and misinformation.
Guide for building conversations with parents and carers about problematic or harmful sexual behaviors, including steps: Meeting, Thinking, Questioning, and Meaning, with descriptions for each step.

Information Sheets for PHSB

This resource is for parents, carers and workers who are responding to children and young people who have displayed sexual behaviours. Parents, carers and some workers (including educators etc) are often the first adults to respond to sexual behaviours displayed by children and young people.

Finding Waterways Toolkit

For early responders to PHSB

The Finding Waterways Toolkit aims to demonstrate best practice when responding to children and young people when problematic or harmful sexual behaviours (PHSB) have been displayed. The focus of the toolkit is specifically on secondary-level preventative responses. 

Register below to access the toolkit.

Access the Finding Waterways Toolkit

To access the Finding Waterways Toolkit, please fill in the form below, and the link to the resource will be sent to the email address you registered with.