Guidance | KCSiE 2026 - Part 5 - Child on Child Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Summary

 

The 2021 Ofsted Review of Sexual Abuse in Schools and Colleges highlighted the prevalence of sexual harassment, sexual abuse and harmful sexual behaviours experienced by children and young people. The review found that many incidents go unreported and that some harmful behaviours had become normalised within educational settings.

 

In response, Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) continues to place significant emphasis on preventing, identifying and responding effectively to child-on-child abuse. Part 5 of KCSIE 2026 provides schools and colleges with statutory guidance on understanding and managing harmful sexual behaviour (HSB), sexual harassment and sexual violence between children. It also reflects emerging safeguarding concerns, including the sharing of AI-generated sexual images and online abuse.

 

As professionals working with children, it is essential that we understand our safeguarding responsibilities, remain vigilant to indicators of abuse, and take prompt action whenever concerns arise.

Summary of Part 5

 

Part 5 of KCSIE 2026 focuses on child-on-child abuse, particularly harmful sexual behaviour, sexual harassment and sexual violence. The guidance makes it clear that these behaviours can occur both online and offline, inside and outside school or college, and can affect children of any age or gender.

 

Schools and colleges are expected to operate a culture of zero tolerance towards sexual violence and sexual harassment. Behaviour should never be dismissed as:

·        "banter"

·        "just having a laugh"

·        "part of growing up"

·        "boys being boys"

 

Minimising abusive behaviours can create an unsafe culture, contribute to misogyny and normalise abuse, making it less likely that children will come forward and seek help. Staff should understand that a lack of reports does not mean abuse is not occurring. Children may simply not feel confident or safe enough to disclose their experiences.

 

Importantly, KCSIE reminds us that child-on-child abuse is a safeguarding concern for both the victim and the alleged perpetrator. Both children may require support, protection and intervention.

 

Understanding Harmful Sexual Behaviour (HSB)

 

Harmful Sexual Behaviour (HSB) is an umbrella term used to describe sexual behaviours shown by children and young people that are developmentally inappropriate and may be harmful to themselves or others.

Children's sexual behaviours exist on a continuum:

·        Healthy and developmentally expected behaviours

·        Inappropriate behaviours

·        Problematic behaviours

·        Abusive behaviours

·        Violent behaviours

Early identification and intervention are crucial. Schools, colleges and safeguarding professionals should recognise that child-on-child abuse is preventable and that timely, evidence-based support can reduce the likelihood of behaviours escalating or recurring.

 

Staff should remain professionally curious and seek advice whenever they are unsure whether behaviour is developmentally appropriate or harmful.

 

Useful Resource: NSPCC Harmful Sexual Behaviour Framework.

 

What is Child-on-Child Abuse?

 

Child-on-child abuse occurs when one child abuses another child. It can happen face-to-face, online, in school, outside school, or in any social environment.

 

Examples include:

·        Bullying, including cyberbullying

·        Prejudice-based or discriminatory bullying

·        Abuse within intimate personal relationships

·        Physical abuse

·        Serious physical assault

·        Sexual violence

·        Sexual harassment

·        Causing someone to engage in sexual activity without consent

·        Consensual and non-consensual sharing of nude or semi-nude images

·        Upskirting

·        Initiation or hazing rituals involving abuse or humiliation.

 

All staff should understand their setting's procedures for preventing, identifying and responding to child-on-child abuse.

 

What is Sexual Violence?

 

Sexual violence refers to sexual offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

 

Examples include:

·        Rape

·        Assault by penetration

·        Sexual assault

·        Causing someone to engage in sexual activity without consent

 

Sexual violence can occur:

·        Between children of any age

·        Online and offline

·        Within or outside educational settings

·        Between individuals or groups of children.

 

The impact on victims can be significant and long lasting, affecting emotional wellbeing, physical health, educational attainment and future relationships.

 

Understanding Consent

 

Consent means agreeing to participate in a sexual activity by choice and having both the freedom and capacity to make that choice.

 

 

Consent:

·        Must be freely given

·        Can be withdrawn at any time

·        Must apply to each specific activity

·        Cannot be assumed from previous consent

 

Children under the age of 13 cannot legally consent to any sexual activity.

 

The age of consent in England is 16 years of age.

 

Understanding consent is vital when assessing incidents of harmful sexual behaviour, sexual harassment or sexual violence.

 

What is Sexual Harassment?

 

Sexual harassment is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that violates a child's dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.

 

Sexual harassment may occur online or offline and can include:

·        Sexual comments

·        Sexual jokes or taunting

·        Sexualised language or name-calling

·        Remarks about someone's appearance

·        Deliberately brushing against someone

·        Interfering with clothing

·        Displaying sexual images

·        Online sexual harassment

·        Sending unwanted sexual messages

·        Sharing sexual content without consent

·        Upskirting.

 

Schools and colleges should always consider the impact upon the victim and whether behaviours may constitute sexual violence rather than sexual harassment.

 

Online Sexual Abuse and AI-Generated Images

 

Technology continues to play a significant role in safeguarding concerns. Many incidents now occur wholly or partly online.

 

KCSIE 2026 highlights the risks associated with:

·        Sharing nude or semi-nude images

·        Online sexual harassment

·        Sexual coercion

·        Sexually abusive messaging

·        Deepfake imagery

·        AI-generated sexual images ("deep nudes")

 

Children may create, alter or share sexually explicit images using artificial intelligence. Even where images are digitally created rather than genuine photographs, the safeguarding impact on victims can be profound and should be treated seriously. Appropriate support, risk assessment and safeguarding intervention should always be considered.

 

Prevention and Creating a Safe Culture

 

An effective safeguarding culture requires more than reacting to incidents.

Schools and colleges should:

·        Promote respectful relationships

·        Teach consent and healthy relationships

·        Deliver age-appropriate relationships, sex and health education

·        Educate children about online safety

·        Challenge harmful attitudes and stereotypes

·        Ensure children know how to report concerns

·        Foster a culture where disclosures are taken seriously

·        Regularly review safeguarding procedures and support pathways.

 

Child-on-child abuse is not inevitable. Prevention, education and early intervention play a critical role in reducing risk and protecting children.

 

Responding to Reports of HSB, Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence

 

All staff should be prepared to respond calmly, appropriately and promptly to reports of abuse.

It is important to remember that:

·        Children may not disclose abuse directly.

·        A child may communicate concerns through behaviour, emotions or indirect comments.

·        Friends may disclose on behalf of a victim.

·        Staff may overhear information suggesting abuse.

·        Abuse may become evident through behavioural or attendance concerns.

 

When receiving a report:

Do:

·        Listen carefully

·        Remain calm

·        Reassure the child

·        Take the report seriously

·        Explain what will happen next

·        Record the information accurately

·        Contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) immediately

Do Not:

·        Promise confidentiality

·        Ask leading questions

·        Investigate the incident yourself

·        Minimise the concerns

·        Express shock or disbelief

 

Children should always be reassured that they have done the right thing by disclosing and that support will be available.

 

The Role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead

 

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy DSL should lead the school's response.

 

The DSL should:

·        Consider the wishes of the victim

·        Undertake an immediate risk and needs assessment where appropriate

·        Assess risks to all children involved

·        Consider the safety of the wider school community

·        Consult with Children's Social Care and the Police when required

·        Coordinate support and intervention plans

·        Maintain accurate safeguarding records.

 

All decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis and focus on the best interests of the child.

 

Supporting Victims

 

Victims should be at the centre of all safeguarding decisions.

 

They should:

·        Be listened to

·        Be believed

·        Be supported

·        Feel safe within their educational setting

·        Understand what actions are being taken

·        Be provided with ongoing emotional and practical support.

 

A victim should never be made to feel responsible for abuse or feel that they are creating difficulties by reporting it.

 

Supporting children displaying Harmful Behaviour

 

Children who display harmful sexual behaviour may themselves have experienced abuse, trauma or other vulnerabilities.

 

While behaviour must be addressed appropriately, schools and colleges should also consider:

·        Underlying safeguarding concerns

·        Educational needs

·        Emotional wellbeing

·        Family circumstances

·        Appropriate intervention and support services

 

Both accountability and support are important elements of effective safeguarding practice.

 

How are you supported?

 

Safeguarding concerns should never be managed in isolation.

 

Professional support is available through:

·        Designated Safeguarding Leads

·        Children's Social Care

·        Police

·        Health Services

·        Early Help Services

·        Specialist Harmful Sexual Behaviour Services

·        NSPCC and other safeguarding organisations

 

The DSL should be familiar with local referral pathways and partnership arrangements.

 

Further Support and Resources

Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026

NSPCC Harmful Sexual Behaviour Framework

NSPCC Professional Helpline 0808 800 5000
help@nspcc.org.uk

CEOP Safety Centre https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/

NSPCC Review of Sexual Abuse in Schools and Colleges

 CPD: Brook Sexual Behaviours Traffic Light Tool (RSE) Course 

Child sexual abuse material generated by artificial intelligence

Sharing nudes and semi-nudes: advice for education settings working with children and young people

 

In Summary

 

Sexual violence, sexual harassment and harmful sexual behaviour are never acceptable. All staff have a responsibility to create a culture where abuse is recognised, challenged and responded to appropriately. Through vigilance, professional curiosity, early intervention and effective support, we can help ensure that all children feel safe, heard and protected.