Professionals are often asked to determine if a youth's sexual behavior is considered a typical behavior, part of growing up, or if the behavior is problematic. The National Centre on the Sexual Behaviour of Youth (NCSBY) provides background information on normative sexual behaviors for preschool children, school-age children, and adolescents. It also provides guidelines for determining if a sexual behavior would be considered problematic or potentially illegal.

Below are few key points taken from the NCSBY content.

KEY POINTS

1. Some sexual behaviors are viewed as a normal part of growing up. Characteristics of typical or normative sexual behaviors include that the behavior is spontaneous or intermittent, light hearted and playful, occurs between children of similar age, size, and ability who may be the same and opposite genders, and typically decreases with caregiver guidance and supervision. Normative sexual behavior, does not cause discomfort, fear or shame and, is not coercive.

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2. In contrast, problematic sexual behaviors by youth involve sexual body parts in a manner that are developmentally inappropriate and potentially harmful to themselves or others. Problematic sexual behaviors include repetitive sexual behaviors involving oneself or others that may be frequent or excessive or include, sexual touching without permission, coercive or aggressive sexual contact, sexual contact with animals, transmitting sexual images via cell phone, the Internet, and other electronic media, and persistent viewing or focusing on developmentally inappropriate sexual media or pornography involving young children or violence. Sibling sexual experiences also occur and are perhaps less likely to be reported to caregivers or professionals.

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3. Professionals play an important role in discussions about what is normative and problematic. Protection workers can provide support by becoming familiar with:

• provincial laws
• understanding the characteristics of ‘normal’ sex play
• understanding coercive sexual behaviour
• reviewing sibling sexual behavior
• supporting parents and caregiver
• identifying appropriate interventions for the family.

See also: 

Videos:

• Watch Dr. V. Chandra-Mouli from the World Health Organization talk about the importance of talking to young people about sex and sexuality.
• Watch Sanderijn van der Doef speak about children and sexuality: protection or education?
• Watch Ross Jacobs, Reach-Out clinician talk about  LGB sexuality. 

Websites:

• Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies: 7 facts you should know
• National Center on the Sexual Behavior of Youth:  Better Lives through Better Choices
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Resources for professionals

Articles:

• Normative Sexuality Development in Adolescence: A Decade in Review. Deborah Tolman, Sarah McLelland
• Sibling Violence on the Learning Network