Sexual bullying

Key Facts About Sexual Bullying

In June 2021, Ofsted published a review of sexual abuse in schools and colleges. They visited 32 schools and spoke to 900 children and young people and found that harmful sexual behaviours are so frequent some children and young people consider them normal.

  • 92% of girls and 74% of boys said sexist name-calling happens a lot or sometimes to them and their peers
  • 64% of girls and 24% of boys reported unwanted touching
  • 92% of girls and 53% of boys reported rumours about sexual activity
  • 80% of girls and 40% boys reported pressure to provide sexual images of themselves

Most of the behaviour was happening in unsupervised places like parties or parks, but girls were also reporting incidents in corridors and journeys to and from school. Children expressed real fears about reporting what was happening – they did not want to be excluded from their peer group or get people into trouble, and they were unsure what would happen next.   

Practical steps to take

This is a real worry to any parent or carer, and you may be wondering what you can do to protect your child. Here are some practical things you can do:

Understand what harmful sexual behaviour looks like

Sexual development in children and young people is a normal part of growing up – harmful sexual behaviour is not. There are some great tools out there to help you understand the difference, for example the Brook Traffic Light Tool, or advice from Stop It Now!

Talk to your child

This can feel very challenging for those of us who were not brought up in homes where sexual behaviour and relationships were discussed, but if you don’t talk to your child about relationships, sex and touch, they will get their information from somewhere else (probably social media or friends).

Never underestimate what they are hearing or experiencing – this starts at a young age. Talk about the importance of respecting your body and the bodies of others, of personal space and the importance of asking if you can touch someone else, otherwise known as consent. You know your child best, so as they grow older and develop, help them understand changes in their body and what a healthy and positive relationship looks and feels like.

If you have a disabled child or a child with additional needs, it is vital that you communicate with them about sexual behaviour as research shows they are significantly more likely to experience sexual harm, and potentially to engage in harmful sexual behaviour.

Challenge your child if they use language that is sexist, homophobic or transphobic or express attitudes towards other children that are not respectful

Explain the harm this can cause, how this creates an environment where other children do not feel safe. The Ofsted report highlighted that some boys felt a sense of entitlement when it came to girls. Those of us with sons have a big job to do to make sure they are not developing negative attitudes towards women – attitudes that harm girls and ultimately their own future relationships.

Keep communication open

This is so that your child knows they can ask you anything. Expect the weird and sometimes shocking, try as best as you can to stay calm, and if you have worries about what they have shared, know when to get help (see point below)

Know when to get help

Schools have a legal duty to keep children safe from all forms of bullying and harm. If you are concerned about behaviour in your child’s school, or the safety of your child or another pupil in the school, the school must take it seriously. The local authority also has a duty of care for children that live in your community. Most schools will be grateful for the information, and it may help them piece together a bigger picture of what is happening with a child or a group of children.

Be hyper aware of the online world

The report highlighted the significant online risks children were experiencing, particularly the sharing of pictures and videos, often without consent. Talk to your child about the importance of keeping information, photos and videos private, but equally of not sharing anything private of other people, and disengaging from chats where that type of behaviour is taking place.

Ask your child’s school what action they are taking

The Ofsted report is clear that all schools should assume there will be harmful sexual behaviour and that they need to take a ‘whole school approach’ to keeping children safe. This includes:

  • providing training for staff
  • providing children with a relationships and sex curriculum that includes consent and healthy relationships
  • making sure staff are vigilant to what is happening in the school
  • making sure that staff challenge any harmful behaviour
  • making sure that it is easy for children to report any concerns
  • making sure that they are keeping careful records
  • making sure they respond appropriately to any incidents including the use of sanctions and interventions to challenge and change behaviour

Remember your child is influenced by their environment

Children are shaped by those around them, their family and friends, and the community and society in which they are growing up. Be mindful of your own language, thoughts, actions and relationships and what they communicate to your child. Challenge family and friends who say or do things around your child that are sexist or harmful to others or give the wrong impression of what a good relationship looks like.

You can also help your child to be critical of what they read, hear, or see – particularly on social media, and help them see the value in healthy, positive relationships that build confidence, promote mutual pleasure and support, and give them the love they deserve.

 

If you would benefit from further advice and support in relation to these issues, please contact the Kidscape Parent Advice Line. Parent Advice Line (kidscape.org.uk).

 

ZAP workshops for children impacted by bullying (available online and in the community)

ZAP workshops bring together children facing a similar situation and teach a range of tools to increase assertiveness, build confidence and help manage bullying situations. 

 

Find out more

Peer mentoring

Online Safety and Cyberbullying Awareness

Understand the potential risks associated with keeping young people safe online.

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