Inappropriate sexual behaviour is not simply unwanted or ill-advised physical contact. There is a lot more to it than that.
Since the #MeToo movement in 2017, a lot has changed in terms of consent and what is considered inappropriate sexual behaviour in today’s society.
You may have thought of it as the touch or use of sexual body parts such as genitals, anus, buttocks, and breasts – and you would be correct in thinking that.
However, inappropriate sexual behaviour now extends to other activities such as:
- Sexual conversation or content that makes someone uncomfortable
- Comments or jokes of a personal or sexual nature
- Exposure of genitals in public
- Masturbation in a public place
- Inappropriate touching or grabbing
Signs that someone doesn’t understand the concept of inappropriate sexual behaviour:
- Having an excessive interest in being naked or staring at others who are naked
- Frequently showing private parts to others or engaging in sexual behaviour which upsets others
- Sexual interest or touching without permission or consent
- Using aggression, force, or pressurising others
- Sexting or distributing sexually explicit images
- Viewing or engaging in pornography
- When their behaviour begins to affect their daily life, relationships, or schoolwork.
It’s perfectly normal and healthy to have an interest in sex or be curious about the changes that happen during puberty.
The most important thing is to have a trusted adult in your life that you can put your questions to without fear of judgement or reproach.
If you don’t have someone like that in your life right now, Childline is always there, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
