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Manage problematic and harmful sexual behaviour incidents

To respond safely and consistently to problematic and harmful sexual behaviour incidents at school, use the ‘Six R’s’ framework we’ve created. 

This page can help you to:

  1. recognise harmful sexual behaviour
  2. respond proportionately
  3. record accurately
  4. report appropriately
  5. risk management
  6. reflect, and support staff and students

Responding to sexual threats and harmful sexual comments - download the quick guide

Sexual threats and harmful sexual comments have been the most common challenge schools have raised through our schools call back service on the Stop It Now helpline.

We’ve created a quick guide to responding to this behaviour, following the 6 Rs model outlined below, to support you.

Download the quick guide

Six Rs to help you manage and respond to incidents

Contact  Stop It Now  for additional support by speaking anonymously and confidentially to our experienced advisors. 

  • what happened - a clear description of the incident, without using euphemisms. Record exact words where possible.
  • the context, considering power imbalances and the reaction of all pupils involved.
  • the facts. If it is helpful to include your opinion, be clear that you are recording your perspective, and not necessarily what objectively happened.
  • what actions staff took - actions taken as an immediate response and also the impact of this response on all pupils involved.

Behaviours that fall under the category of abusive or violent (red on the traffic light tool) should result in a referral to children’s social care. The police may also get involved.

Examples of behaviours you should report externally include:

  • Forcing or enticing another child to take part in sexual activity.
  • Using threats, blackmail, emotional pressure, or manipulation.
  • A power imbalance, including age differences, physical size differences, status differences, or vulnerability differences. 
  • Image-based abuse.
  • Persistent ‘lower-level’ sexual behaviours (amber on the traffic light tool) despite school intervention, such as unwanted sexualised comments, gestures or repeated inappropriate sexualised behaviour.

When reporting externally, always inform parents, unless it is not in the child’s best interests to do so.

If a crime has occurred or is suspected, call the police. 

We've developed three different education safety plan versions, as well as safety plan review documents to help you track progress:
 

 

 

 
The Safety planning in education guide from the Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse, also linked above under the 'respond' section, also provides practical, step-by-step support to help schools respond effectively when harmful sexual behaviour occurs.

Reflecting with pupils who have caused harm after an incident is essential. It will help them understand boundaries, repair harm, and learn safer, healthier ways of relating to others.

Reflecting with staff is important too. Staff describe feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and fearful of getting it wrong. An opportunity for reflection, support, and understanding can support staff wellbeing and build confidence.  

We've created reflective guides for staff and pupils, available to download at the links below, to help you do this together in a structured way.

Download the staff reflection sheet

Download the pupil reflection workbook

Seek our specialist support

Any school staff member can contact us for free, confidential advice.

You can simply contact the Stop It Now email service or helpline, or book a free one-hour call back to help you understand behaviour, with safety planning, guidance on engaging parents and advice for students with additional needs.

Contact our Stop It Now helpline on 0808 1000 900 or email.

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