Title: Understanding Sexual behaviours in Children and Young People in the UK
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract: There is currently no recent research that takes into account the contemporary UK context for sexual behaviours in children and young people (CYP). As a result, there are no assessment tools for sexual behaviours that are underpinned by recent UK-relevant evidence. NICE report that there are a distinct lack of assessment tools that are empirically informed in the UK, and that evidence in this area is lacking. This project seeks to understand what currently constitutes sexual behaviours (both online and offline) in CYP aged 13-18 in the UK, then use the knowledge gained from this to develop an assessment tool for professionals to use when reviewing sexual behaviours in CYP in this age group. The project will use innovative approaches to gaining this data which includes the use of participatory research that will be shaped by CYP who will help to shape the data gathering via an online survey and focus groups. In addition to this, extensive data from the Stop it Now! Helpline records (a support line for concerning sexual behaviours) will be analysed to give a wider, more in-depth picture of sexual behaviours in CYP aged 13-18. The data from these approaches will be used to develop an assessment tool. Three rounds of Delphi with professionals in the area will then take place to further refine the tool. The development of the tool will be underpinned by the Hackett Continuum for assessing sexual behaviours in order to provide validity. This project is a valuable contribution to knowledge in academic, policy and professional fields as no current data in this age group currently exists. The context in which sexual behaviours is embedded is ever changing and insight into current sexual trends will contribute towards safeguarding the health of CYP and support their sexual well-being and development. This research is also timely as it links to the recent compulsory Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) introduced by the DfE. This study will provide a wealth of knowledge that professionals will be able to draw upon to understand and support problematic, harmful and normal sexual behaviour in CYP aged 13-18. The primary research question is: What are the range of sexual behaviours that are evident in children aged 13-18 in the current UK context and how can they be assessed? The RQ emerged as a direct result of research completed by King-Hill (1) and also discussions with Brook, the National Organisation for the Treatment of Sexual Abuse (NOTA) and the Lucy Faithfull Foundation (LFF) (key stakeholders in sexual behaviours in CYP) who articulate a clear lack of knowledge about the sexual behaviours of CYP in the UK. These stakeholder discussions highlighted how ascertaining the range of sexual behaviour in those aged 13-18 will provide robust assessment pathways as behaviours present. The question will be addressed by way of four interlinked objectives: i) Synthesise knowledge on sexual behaviours in the UK and what is meant by a UK context in relation to online and offline behaviours. ii) Analyse what constitutes normal sexual behaviours in CYP in a UK context. iii) Evaluate what constitutes problematic and harmful sexual behaviour in CYP in a UK context. iv) Develop a sexual behaviours assessment tool for professionals to use with CYP aged 13-18.

Lay abstract: Context Currently 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 Objectives The 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 Benefits Both 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.

Research activity codes: 1.2 PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC PROCESSES;1.4 METHODOLOGIES AND MEASUREMENTS
Health categories: REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND CHILDBIRTH;INFECTION