We help schools develop effective early intervention and prevention responses to inappropriate sexual behaviour between children.
It is normal for children to explore their sexuality from a young age; think “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.” Typical sexualised play is consensual, mutual, playful, expected for their age and a shared decision just like other games children of the same age play. (Hackett, 2014)
There is a continuum of sexualised behaviour and it is important to know when behaviour has moved from being “typical” to inappropriate or problematic or even harmful.
Consensual, mutual, and age-appropriate exploration between peers of similar development.
Behaviour that is developmentally unexpected, lacks complete mutuality, or involves a minor age/power gap.
Persistently seeking out sexual play, involving coercion, or a significant age gap between children.
Clear abuse of power, physical force, or threats; behaviour that mirrors adult sexual activity.
Early intervention is extremely effective at interrupting the escalation of inappropriate sexual behaviours in children.
If there have been incidents of inappropriate sexual behaviour in your school, know that you are not alone.
These behaviours happen at school, on play dates in homes, in public spaces.
They are not limited to any particular socio-economic group, race or gender.
Inappropriate sexual behaviour, also known as harmful or problematic sexual behaviour is defined as “Sexual behaviours expressed by children and young people under the age of 18 years old that are developmentally inappropriate, may be harmful towards self or others, or be abusive towards another child, young person or adult.” (derived from Hackett, 2014).
Inappropriate sexual behaviour often happens on school grounds—not because schools are failing, but because children spend so much time together. These behaviours can range from typical to harmful. Early intervention depends on knowing the difference.
Children often confide in teachers, school staff, or trusted adults when they’re distressed. Equipping schools to recognise and respond calmly improves outcomes for everyone involved. School staff are a critical part of the response.
Yes, parents play a vital role—but many don’t know how to talk about this. That’s why we work through schools to reach and empower families. Together, we can build a community-wide response that protects children.
Comprehensive support to help schools create safe environments and respond effectively to harmful sexual behaviour between children.
R7,800
School Management Team consultation & two whole school awareness and sensitisation workshops
R2,900
A review of the child protection policy plus a management meeting
R5,850
School Management Team consultation & two whole school awareness and sensitisation workshops
Social Worker, Play Therapy Practitioner
Social worker with 24 years of experience. She spends most of her time as a play therapy practitioner with children between 3 and 13 years of age.
Occupational Therapist, Play Therapist, and Supervisor
Sandy Meyer is a passionate and experienced Occupational Therapist, Play Therapist, and Supervisor with over 20 years of experience working with children, families, and professionals.
“Linda's contribution to our Safeguarding Committee and her role in upskilling our teaching and management teams through workshops and training sessions have had a lasting impact on our school's ability to respond appropriately, confidently, and compassionately to safeguarding concerns. Her clarity in aligning practice with policy, as well as her proactive, preventative focus, have been particularly empowering for our staff.”