Highlights from Exploring Sexual Behaviour in Children & Young People Conference

It was a great day at the Glasgow Grosvenor Hotel hosting the Exploring Sexual Behaviour in Children & Young People conference, on the 29^thof March. Over 170 delegates attended, coming from Aberdeen to Dumfries and Galloway, for a day of learning and critical thinking. This event, chaired by Jim Taylor, was eye-opening and undoubtedly sparked important conversations between the delegates, which we hope they will continue outside of the conference.

When discussing sexual behaviour in children, it is common to feel uncomfortable, however as many of our speakers pointed out, this can prevent opening a dialogue, which is letting the younger generation down.

“Speakers brought humanity to subjects we remain fearful of discussing”

Our first speak of the day was Dr Sophie King-Hill, a senior fellow at the University of Birmingham, who gave an insightful presentation on Relationships & Sex Education and the Sexual Behaviour of Children & Young People. She drew attention to the shame we place on sex as a society and how that can lead to a gap in the support of young people, who are of course, sexual beings themselves. Removing this shame when talking about sexual behaviour, allows young people to seek guidance and education.

“It was outstanding. Great to participate in a meaningful CPD session”

Next, we had our first presentation by David Russell, a Community Safety & Justice Manager at Midlothian Council, on Autism & Harmful Sexual Behaviour. He spoke about the importance of having a person-centred approach, as each child has different needs and circumstances. Especially when working with children with autism, to remember that what a neurotypical mind may view as sexual behaviour, may not be the same for a neurodivergent one.

David later came back to present on Involuntary Celibate (Incel). A group within society who are predominantly heterosexual males, often very young, who endorse violence towards women and males who are sexually active. He explained that this is a topic which can instil fear, however, needs to be more openly discussed, stating “intervention and prevention in young people is key”.

“Utterly outstanding – tough subject matter delivered in a raw, palatable fashion”

Stuart Allerdyce, director of Lucy Faithful and responsible for Stop It Now!, joined us after lunch to present Growing Up Online - Technology Assisted Harmful Sexual Behaviour & How to Prevent It. Much like in person communication, the majority of young people don’t feel comfortable talking about their sexual experience online, many believing if they speak to an adult about it their internet may be taken away. He states that sexual harm online can be just as harmful as offline and provided resources for how to respond to issues around produced sexual images.

“I’ve come away with websites & training possibilities, as well as information to access, which is amazing and very helpful”

Finally, Lesley Anne Pratchett and Melanie Fieldhouse joined us from Break the Silence to close the conference with two excellent case studies, outlining coping strategies for working with children who suffer abuse.

This incredible event has certainly made an impact and shown the importance of getting comfortable with these subjects, in order to tackle the dangers children and young people may face.

Resources to Share:
· The Child Exploitation Online Protection Command will help and give advice bit.ly/3G898xz
· The CEOP https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
· Tackling Harmful Sexual Behaviour bit.ly/3KnkkJ6
· Stop It Now! Scotland Resources https://bit.ly/3ZEaOpy