Javascript used for visual effects only as image links rollovers. You may also use text links at the bottom of the page. Therefore, it is important to understand a child's healthy sexual development and what behaviors are normal and age-appropriate: Preschool Years Young children frequently use limited sexual language that centers around body parts and the differences children see in genders.
They sometimes explore body parts of other children, usually in the form of play, such as playing doctor or house. Children may also touch their own body parts and may even rub up against something to get the same sensation. Children at this age usually can be redirected easily and do not show signs of distress when told to stop the behavior.
School Age Years The use of sexual words and sexual conversation is more common and frequent during these years. Experimenting with other children is also common and may take the form of "games" with same-age peers. This may include kissing, fondling, and "you show me, I'll show you" types of behavior. Self-stimulation is also common at home or in private places but rarely happens in public. There are usually a great number of questions from children at this age about menstruation, pregnancy, and sexual behavior.
Experimentation between same-age peers is also common and includes kissing, fondling, mutual masturbation, and sometimes intercourse. Self-stimulation or masturbation usually only occurs in private and is commonly kept out of peer conversations.
Forms of Child Sexual Abuse When considering whether the behavior between adolescents and children is sexual abuse, take into account differences in age, size, strength, and power. Sexual abuse can take the form of "hands-on" offenses or non-touching offenses. Examples of these offenses are listed below: Touching Offenses Fondling "private parts" Touching a child's genitals or asking a child to touch someone else's genitals Playing sexual games with a child Coercing a child to be sexual with animals Genital, oral, or anal intercourse Forcing a child into prostitution Non-Touching Offenses Showing pornography to a child Exposing oneself Encouraging a child to watch or hear sexual acts Voyeurism or "peeping" Verbal or emotional abuse of a sexual nature e.
