PRESS RELEASE- Understanding harmful sexual behaviour, violence and misogyny by children- what the evidence shows
Safeguarding professionals across education, youth justice and children’s services are increasingly concerned about the rise of harmful sexual behaviour, misogynistic attitudes and violence among children and young people.
A new Evidence and Insights Pack published by the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales brings together the latest research, data and practice insights to better understand these behaviours and how professionals can respond effectively. The findings highlight both the scale of the issue and the importance of early, informed safeguarding responses.
For those working with children whether in schools, youth justice services, social care or community organisations, the report provides important evidence about the factors that contribute to harmful behaviour and what can help prevent it.
What the New Evidence Shows
The evidence pack draws together research and data from across England and Wales to examine harmful sexual behaviour, misogyny and violence carried out by children.
One of the most striking findings is that proven sexual offences committed by children increased significantly in recent years, rising by 47% in 2023–24 and a further 6% in the latest year. However, the Youth Justice Board cautions that these increases may also reflect improved reporting, stronger detection and changes in how cases move through the criminal justice system, rather than a simple rise in offending behaviour.
The evidence also highlights the experiences of victims. Sexual harassment, including image-based abuse and sexualised behaviour between peers, is widely reported by girls in schools and social settings, demonstrating the scale of harm experienced by young people.
Importantly, the research emphasises that harmful sexual behaviour among children is complex and influenced by multiple factors, including:
Exposure to misogynistic attitudes and harmful content online
Peer dynamics and social pressures
Childhood trauma or previous experiences of abuse
Wider social and cultural influences
These factors reinforce the need for safeguarding responses that are informed, balanced and focused on both prevention and support.
Understanding Harmful Sexual Behaviour in Children
The Youth Justice Board’s analysis reminds professionals that harmful sexual behaviour exists on a continuum. It can range from developmentally inappropriate behaviours through to abusive or violent acts.
A crucial message within the report is that children who display harmful sexual behaviour are still children. Many have experienced trauma, abuse or exploitation themselves and may have unmet emotional, developmental or safeguarding needs.
Research consistently shows that most children who display harmful sexual behaviour do not go on to commit sexual offences as adults, particularly when they receive appropriate support and intervention early.
This reinforces a key safeguarding principle: responses must address the harm caused while also supporting the child to change behaviour and move away from offending.
The Role of Early Intervention and Education
The evidence highlights the importance of early prevention strategies, particularly within schools and youth settings.
Programmes that focus on:
Healthy relationships education
Understanding consent
Challenging harmful gender norms
Developing bystander skills among young people
can play a meaningful role in shifting attitudes and preventing harm before behaviours escalate.
Education settings therefore remain central to safeguarding responses, alongside youth justice, health and children’s social care services.
What This Means for Safeguarding Professionals
For those working in safeguarding roles, the findings reinforce several important practice considerations:
Recognising harmful sexual behaviour early- Professionals must remain alert to behaviours that may indicate risk, including sexualised language, image-based abuse, harassment or coercive behaviour between peers.
Taking a balanced safeguarding approach- Responses should prioritise the safety and wellbeing of victims while recognising that children displaying harmful behaviour may also require support and intervention.
Strengthening multi-agency working- Effective responses rely on strong collaboration between schools, youth justice services, police, health professionals and safeguarding partners.
Challenging misogyny and harmful attitudes- Professionals working with children have an important role in addressing harmful gender stereotypes and supporting young people to develop respectful relationships.
Building Safer Futures for Children
The Youth Justice Board’s evidence pack highlights an issue that safeguarding professionals are increasingly encountering in practice: harmful sexual behaviour and misogynistic attitudes among children are complex challenges that require early, informed and coordinated responses.
Understanding the drivers behind these behaviours is essential if we are to prevent harm, protect victims and support children to develop healthy and respectful relationships.