The Youth Justice Board (YJB) has published a new Evidence and
Insights Pack examining harmful sexual behaviour, misogyny and
violence carried out by children.
The pack brings together the latest research, data and
practice examples from across England and Wales.
The evidence shows that proven sexual offences by children rose
by 47% in 2023–24 and a further 6% in the latest year. While the
research looks into potential changes in behaviour by
children, the YJB cautions that these increases may also reflect
improved reporting, better detection, and changes in how cases
progress through the criminal justice system.
This research shows that sexual harassment and image-based abuse
are widely reported by girls in schools and peer relationships,
highlighting the scale of harm experienced by young
victims.
The pack also highlights the complex factors that shape harmful
sexual behaviour among children, including childhood trauma,
exposure to misogynistic attitudes online, peer dynamics, and
wider social influences.
Importantly, the evidence highlights that preventing harm early
is key. School-based programmes that teach healthy relationships
and consent, work with boys to challenge harmful gender norms and
strengthen bystander skills can shift attitudes and improve
children's willingness to not engage or intervene in situations
that could lead to harm.
Stephanie Roberts-Bibby, Chief Executive of the YJB, said:
Violence against women and girls is a serious and growing concern
across society and preventing it must start early. Understanding
the role harmful sexual behaviour and misogynistic attitudes play
in childhood is essential if we are to prevent harm, reduce the
number of victims and make our communities safer.
Children who display harmful sexual behaviour are still children.
Many have experienced abuse, trauma or exploitation
themselves, and effective responses must both address the harm
caused and support the child to move away from offending.
The impact on victims, who are often children themselves, can be
profound and long-lasting. Preventing harm and supporting victims
must remain central to the youth justice system's response.
Most children who display harmful sexual behaviour do not go on
to commit sexual offences as adults, particularly when they
receive an appropriate response. This is why early
intervention, education and strong safeguarding responses are
critical.
The evidence pack also highlights the growing influence of
digital environments, where algorithm-driven content can amplify
misogynistic attitudes and normalise harmful behaviours among
children.
More than one in four children (27%) report seeing threats or
images of sexual assault online. A third (33%) report seeing
content encouraging violence against women and girls. The average
age of first exposure to pornography is around age 13, however
some children report seeing pornography as early as primary
school age.
These exposures can negatively shape attitudes to consent and
expectations in relationships and increase behaviours such as
coercion, harassment, abuse and obtaining consent. The evidence
emphasises the importance of prevention, education and
safeguarding to stop these behaviours, rather than relying solely
on criminal justice responses after harm has occurred.
Trusted adults - including teachers, youth workers, parents and
practitioners, play a critical role
in identifying concerning behaviours early and
supporting children to develop healthy relationships.
Despite improved understanding in the area of harmful
sexual behaviour, violence and misogyny, the pack
also identifies significant evidence gaps in the
UK, particularly around which interventions are most effective in
preventing harmful behaviours among children. The YJB is calling
for further research and evaluation to strengthen the evidence
base and support services across the system.
The pack is being shared across government as part of the YJB's
commitment to working with partners across youth justice,
education, safeguarding, health and media to reduce
harm, challenge misogynistic attitudes and support
children to build healthy and respectful relationships.
ENDS
Notes to editors
- The YJB's Evidence
and Insights Pack, Harmful Sexual Behaviour, Misogyny and
Violence Carried Out by Children, brings together the
latest research, data and practice insights to
support partners across youth justice,
education, safeguarding and policing.
- Evidence shows harmful sexual behaviour exists on a
continuum, ranging from developmentally inappropriate behaviour
through to abusive and violent acts.
- Most children who display harmful sexual behaviour do not go
on to commit sexual offences as adults.
- The YJB supports a Child First evidence base, recognising
that children in the justice system often have complex needs and
experiences of trauma, while ensuring the needs of
victims remain central to responses.
