½ Day Harmful Sexualised Behaviour (HSB) Awareness Course

Understand What Constitutes Harmful Sexualised Behaviour

• Define Harmful Sexualised Behaviour (HSB) and distinguish it from healthy sexual development.
• Identify developmental norms in children and adolescents in relation to sexual behaviour.
• Understand how factors such as trauma, exposure, neglect, or abuse can influence behaviour.
• Recognise that both the child displaying and the child affected by HSB may require support and safeguarding.

Recognise Indicators and Patterns of HSB

• Identify behavioural, emotional, and social signs that may indicate HSB.
• Recognise contextual indicators, including power imbalance, coercion, or age disparity.
• Understand the online dimensions of HSB, including sexting, image sharing, and exploitation.
• Explore case examples to practise identifying early warning signs and escalation pathways.

Respond Appropriately and Proportionately

• Apply a measured, safeguarding-led response that protects all involved.
• Manage incidents calmly, objectively, and without judgement.
• Know how to record and report HSB accurately in line with policy and procedure.
• Understand the importance of multi-agency collaboration and when to refer to external services.

Support Children and Young People Effectively

• Adopt trauma-informed and restorative approaches when supporting young people.
• Understand how to address HSB through education, guidance, and positive behaviour support.
• Promote healthy relationships, consent, and respect as part of ongoing development.
• Ensure interventions are proportionate, developmental, and not purely punitive.

Develop Confidence and Professional Judgement

• Reflect on personal values and professional boundaries when managing HSB.
• Make defensible, evidence-based decisions supported by organisational policy.
• Maintain professional objectivity when discussing sensitive or challenging situations.
• Contribute to a team culture of consistency, communication, and shared accountability.

Relevant Legislation and Guidance

• Children Act 1989 & 2004 – Duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
• Sexual Offences Act 2003 – Definitions and legal implications of sexual behaviour.
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) – Guidance for multi-agency cooperation.
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024) – Safeguarding duties for education settings.
• NSPCC Harmful Sexual Behaviour Framework (2019) – Best practice for managing HSB.
• Human Rights Act 1998 – Ensuring fairness, dignity, and proportionality in response.
• Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR) – Recording and sharing sensitive information lawfully.