Understanding Sexual behaviours in Children and Young People in the UK

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ContextCurrently there is no research into the sexual behaviours of children and young people (CYP) aged 13-18 within a contemporary UK context. This means that assessment tools that are already in existence are not underpinned by recent UK empirical evidence. Studies into the sexual behaviours of adults over 16 (for example The British National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles studies) indicate that they are fluid and change based upon the social context into which they are embedded. Having a current awareness of sexual behaviour practices in CYP aged 13-18 will support education and intervention into those behaviours that are problematic and harmful. Keeping up-to-date with changes in sexual behaviours, both online and offline, is important in contributing to the support and services that CYP can access, enhancing sexual health and well-being and reducing harmful and problematic sexual behaviours. Poignantly, the more healthy sexual behaviours in CYP are the least researched within the UK, which strongly indicates that more work in this area needs to be carried out and is echoed in current research by King-Hill (2021) and NICE (2016). Many studies highlight the need for more knowledge in this area which will support assessments of sexual behaviours carried out by all professionals who work with CYP. This is embedded in the wider social context of rising harmful sexual behaviours in CYP in the UK with no national strategy currently in existence to address this escalating issue. International studies also point towards the need for an assessment tool that is underpinned by UK based evidence as studies show that sexual practices differ between contexts. Current assumptions on sexual behaviours are mainly derived from theoretical knowledge and socio-cultural expectations rather than exploring what is actually happening and how these behaviours can be approached to ensure that the sexual well-being in CYP is fully supported.Aims and ObjectivesThe study aims to ascertain what constitutes what range of sexual behaviours are evident in CYP aged 13-18 in a UK context and how these can be assessed. It will do this by synthesising knowledge on sexual behaviours in the UK (both online and offline) by carrying out a literature review, a large scale survey with CYP and focus groups. The research with CYP will be informed and designed by a steering group of CYP in a participatory approach. Data from the Stop It Now! Helpline (a support line for concerning sexual behaviours) will be analysed alongside this to aid the contextualisation of a range of sexual behaviours that present in CYP. Using this data what constitutes normal, problematic and harmful behaviour will be ascertained and based upon the findings an assessment tool will then be developed (this will be steered by the concepts of the Hackett Continuum which currently supports categorisation of sexual behaviours in CYP). A Delphi approach will then be used with professionals to further develop and refine the assessment tool.Applications and BenefitsBoth the tool that is developed and the knowledge and insight gained from the research will contribute to the UK position on sexual behaviours in CYP in a number of areas. Firstly, the tool will be able to be applied in a number of differing settings and used by a wide range of professionals such as teachers, healthcare professionals, social workers, specialist services and those who work in the criminal justice system. This will contribute to joined up, multi-agency working when assessing and supporting online and offline sexual behaviours that present in CYP. The project will also contribute to policy work in this area, giving insight to a little known area and support current SRE policies that are in place. The findings will also contribute to academic knowledge in this area as no contemporary empirical research is currently available in this area in a UK context.