Harmful Sexual Behaviour Online Training

A video training package to support knowledge and approach to harmful sexual behaviour in schools and other youth settings

Subscribe to Harmful Sexual Behaviour Training

This online training provides a structured introduction to harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) and how to respond to it in professional settings.

The training is based on the practical experience of delivering the Harmful Sexual Behaviour Support Service. It is designed to help organisations understand what harmful sexual behaviour is, recognise it, and take appropriate safeguarding action.

The course defines harmful sexual behaviour, explains how to recognise and respond to incidents, outlines practical steps for recording and reporting concerns, and provides insight into safeguarding expectations, including Ofsted requirements. It also offers access to further resources and professional development, helping professionals respond confidently, consistently, and in line with safeguarding responsibilities.

What is harmful sexual behaviour?

Harmful sexual behaviour refers to: Sexual behaviours expressed by children and young people under 18 that are developmentally inappropriate, harmful, or abusive to themselves or others.

This includes behaviour directed towards peers, younger children, or adults, and may occur online or offline.

Understanding this definition is essential for identifying when behaviour requires safeguarding intervention.

Why this training matters

Evidence shows that harmful sexual behaviour is a significant issue in education and youth settings.

A 2021 Ofsted review found that sexual harassment and abuse between children is widespread, with some young people seeing it as normal and not worth reporting.

This training enables professionals to challenge the normalisation of harmful sexual behaviour, identify early warning signs, take appropriate safeguarding action, and support all children involved in line with safeguarding responsibilities.

Who is This Training For?

This training is designed for professionals working with children and young people, particularly in safeguarding roles.

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Education staff

Teachers and support staff in primary, secondary, and alternative provision settings.

Safeguarding Leads

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) responsible for child protection and policy.

Wider Professionals

Police, social workers, healthcare staff, and others working in safeguarding contexts.

What you will learn

This training gives you the knowledge and confidence to recognise and respond to harmful sexual behaviour in a safeguarding context.

You will learn how to identify behaviours that may be harmful, understand how children and young people disclose concerns, and respond in a way that is safe and appropriate.

The training also explains how to record and report incidents, and what is expected under safeguarding frameworks such as Ofsted.

Each module explores these areas in more detail, helping you apply learning in real-world situations.

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What is Harmful Sexual Behaviour?

Examples of Harmful Sexual Behaviour

Context of Harmful Sexual Behaviour

Recognising Harmful Sexual Behaviour

Recording Harmful Sexual Behaviour

Reporting Harmful Sexual Behaviour

Ofsted’s expectations regarding Harmful Sexual Behaviour

How children report Harmful Sexual Behaviour

Further Professional Development

Further Harmful Sexual Behaviour Resources

How the training works

The training is delivered through an online video platform, accessible on any device, and can be completed at a time that suits you. It includes knowledge-check questions and awards a certificate on completion. The training can be used for individual learning or for whole-organisation safeguarding development.

Access and pricing

The course costs £35 (excluding VAT) per organisation and provides 12 months of access. It includes all training modules and materials, allowing organisations to train multiple staff members within the access period.

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How this training was developed

The training draws on insights from the Harmful Sexual Behaviour Support Service, which was delivered by SWGfL in partnership with the Marie Collins Foundation. This service was created to support professionals responding to harmful sexual behaviour by providing advice on individual cases, guidance on policy development, and access to best practice and resources. Although the direct support service has now closed, the training and accompanying resources continue to support professionals in effective safeguarding practice.

What outcomes can you expect?

After completing the training, participants will be able to define harmful sexual behaviour clearly, identify behaviours that require intervention, respond appropriately in line with safeguarding procedures, record and report concerns effectively, and support a safer environment for children and young people.

Start your training

You can access the training online and begin immediately.

This training provides a practical, evidence-informed foundation for addressing harmful sexual behaviour in professional settings.