

Just like every other part of growing up, some children mature sooner or later than others. Stages of child sexual developmentĪll children go through phases of sexual development. We’ve included examples of behaviour that is common and uncommon, and information about what to do if you are worried that a child is displaying problematic or harmful sexual behaviour.

We’ve put together some information about the stages of typical sexual development and behaviour for different age groups.

This can help you recognise which sexual behaviours are developmentally typical and identify if a child is displaying behaviour that is problematic or harmful. It’s important that everyone who works with children and young people has a good understanding of how children develop sexually.
