Responding to problem sexual behaviour in children and young people

Responding to problem sexual behaviour in children and young people, guidelines for staff in education and care settings provides educators and staff members with guidance on how to respond when children display these behaviours. 

Services are required to report instances of inappropriate sexual behaviour under the Education and Early Childhood Services (Registration and Standards) Act 2011 (SA), Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 and Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 (SA).

Education and care service providers must notify the Education Standards Board of physical or sexual abuse. This is in addition to mandated reporting obligations to the Child Abuse Report Line (CARL) and, if necessary, other agencies or services such as SA Police or a medical practitioner.

When and how to notify:

• If the behaviour is in the concerning (orange) or serious (red) categories.
• If a parent/guardian raises concerns about information their child has disclosed, complete the COI notification form.
• If you have observed a situation or a child has disclosed information, complete the I01 notification form.

Section three of Managing allegations of sexual misconduct in SA education and care settings contains has a useful list of steps to take, which could be helpful in child-to-child sexual abuse.